Expectations are high for the players in the camp, both returning and new. Several athletes look to make their mark and land a full-time spot with the Petes for the coming season, ‘opportunity’ seemed to be the word of the day.
“Our message at the opening meeting today was that there is opportunity,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “This week on the ice, during scrimmages and practices, an individual player has the chance to turn that word, ‘opportunity,’ into action.”
Smiling faces, handshakes and hugs were spotted on the players throughout the opening day of the training camp. There were 58 players that showed up to prove themselves and make a roster spot. The facility training was a welcome change from last year when COVID-19 forced additional precautions and private training sessions.
"We have made a lot of strides with the public health and public safety to the point where now we're pretty much back to normal," said Oke. "We still have to make sure that we are diligent and follow various protocols. Certainly, this year feels a lot more of a normal style of training camp and we're just simply excited to get going."