Day 2 Of Klippers Camp Recap, Rockie Zinger Interview

Day two of Klippers camp is in the books, with today now being the final chance for kids to make an impression before the preseason action begins this weekend.

Last nights game featured a swift pace of high intensity hockey, with team blue getting some revenge on team green with a 9-1 victory.

Heres Ullsys observations from day 2 of camp...

- The Klippers got some very exciting news from Kindersley local D Jay McGrath yesterday. D Jay headed out to Saskatoon early Thursday morning for a final check in with his doctor, when he got the good news. The doctors told D Jay he can now start practicing fully with the team and that his knee is close to 100%. This is big news because the organization had thought that McGrath may miss the first month of the season, but now talks are surfacing that McGrath could be ready in time for the season opener on the 15th. McGrath did not take part in last nights intersquad game, but he did have a private skate session in full gear prior with assistant coach Chris Forsman

- The Red Deer Rebels have informed head coach Rockie Zinger that Cody Thiel is expected to stick with the WHL club to start the season. Kindersley was hoping to have him back but it sounds like Thiel has had an awesome camp.

- We got our first look at Brett Blatz last night as he is back from Rebels camp. I was impressed with what I saw from him. He is one of the bigger dman at camp. 1996 born defensemen Vukie Mpufo was also released by the Rebels.

- Defenseman Jordan Weist was not at camp for day number 2 as he is headed back to Midget AAA.

- Team Blue (wearing white jerseys now) took down team green by a score of 9-1 last night. Goals were scored by Landon Robin, Brett Blatz, Taylor Duzan, Tanner Kissick, Jeremy Leclerc, Jeff Olsen, Colby Daniels, Jesse Mysiorek, and the last one was either Mysiorek again or Casey Rogers. Greens lone goal was scored by Austin McDonald.

My 3 star selection in terms of rookies last night were

1. Jeremy Leclerc - the kid is only 16 and could easily stick with the Klippers if he doesn't elect to go back to Midget AAA for another season. He is very talented and smart defensman with some offensive flare.

2. Colby Daniels - He wasn't very noticeable day one at camp but last night he stepped up in a big way. He is one of the guys who is on the bubble but if he continues to play like he did last night I think he sticks with the team. He is a very hard worker and has one heck of a wrist shot. I remember at last years camp in the rookie game vs Battlefords he had a breakaway and riffled a water bottle popper top corner. Last night he did the exact same thing on a penalty shot. He walked in and snapped a beauty top corner with one of the best wrist shots ive seen at the Junior A level.

3. Landon Robin - He showed his offensive skill last night early on with a beauty goal. Undressed a dman with a sick toe drag and then walked in and deked out the goalie. Was on the offensive prowl last night creating a number of solid scoring chances.

Honorable mention - Austin McDonald - He was the lone goal scorer for the green club and boy is he quick. The more and more I see of Austin McDonald makes me think he is going to be a Klipper this season.

- Time to hit on a few vets

- After watching Taylor Duzan play so far in camp I have come to the conclusion that he is going to have a dominant season. As expected Duzan has been the best player on the ice so far at camp in both games.

- Ryan Elliot looks like he has a extra jump to his stride. He was quick to begin with last season but he looks like he is much stronger and faster.

- Tanner Kissick has added some swagger to his game, the 18 year old is looking very confident with the puck and has developed a solid scoring touch so far at camp.

- Bradley Buckingham has looked really good in the early going, he is one of the strongest kids at camp and is really good down low on the cycle. Buckingham, Elliott and Austin McDonald are starting to show some chemistry together and could be a line to watch for in the preseason.

- Jesse Mysiorek is going to be one of the best power forwards in the SJHL this season. His hands have also looked really good at camp to go with all the strength he has.

- On the back end Zane Morin has looked very solid. For the most part of last season, Morin was forced to play the agitator roll as a rookie. So far at camp he has settled in and become a solid defensive dman. I really like the little things I am seeing from Zane and think he will make great strides this season.

- Taylor Wasden continued to skate on the back end. He really is starting to look comfortable on defense and plays a well balanced defensive game. I know Chris Forsman is also very impressed with the way Wasden has looked on D so far.

- David Haaf is going to punish guys this season. He is in incredible shape and will likely be the Klippers number one shutdown defenseman this season.

- As Casey Rogers would say, hes got his swagger back! This guy is going to be fun to watch this season and put up alot of point from the back end.
- Still no fights at camp, I do expect that to change tonight with a few guys needing to step up their game.

- We may see a few new faces at camp tonight. In terms of whos still with WHL clubs, Wheaton King remains with Med Hat, Chris Thorimbert with Lethbridge, Brennan Bosovich with Tri City, Cody Thiel with Red Deer and Patrick Johnson with Saskatoon.

Here is an interview with Rockie Zinger, I will transcribe a few key points shortly.


Rockie zinger by Ullsy