Taylor Rocca
Kootenay Ice training camp doesn’t begin until Wednesday, but returning players were on the ice Monday morning getting a head start at Western Financial Place.
As expected, the only absences came in the form of forwards Tim Bozon and Sam Reinhart, and goaltender Mackenzie Skapski. All other returning players were present and accounted for.
While it might seem like a non-story, there has been no shortage of veteran no-shows at other WHL camps across the country thus far in August. Former Kamloops Daily News sports editor Gregg Drinnan has kept close tabs on situations around the league.
In Prince George, goaltender Brett Zarowny opted for school over continuing with the Cougars. In Lethbridge, defenceman Macoy Erkamps failed to report to Hurricanes camp and demanded a trade. The Spokane Chiefs opened training camp without returners Reid Gow and Jeremy McIntosh. The list goes on.
There were no such problems in Cranbrook.
The veteran players will undergo fitness testing Tuesday morning starting at 9 a.m. and the rookies will run through the processes starting at 1 p.m. Camp officially opens Wednesday with veterans practice at 9 a.m.
Joining the Ice veterans Monday morning were alumni Adam Cracknell, Brock Montgomery and Nathan Lieuwen.
In addition, the club announced details for its 16th annual intrasquad game, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 at Western Financial Place. Proceeds from the contest will go directly to the Cranbrook and Kimberley United Way.
Admission is granted with a minimum donation of $5 per person.