With September fast approaching, camps for junior hockey teams across Central Alberta are ramping up.
On Saturday, the Red Deer Vipers held their first ID Camp at the G.H. Dawe Centre in preparation for the upcoming Heritage Junior B Hockey League (HJHL) season.
Approximately 20 players who are mostly new to the organization competed in the one-day camp in hopes of receiving an invite to the main training camp later this month.
Head coach Matt Michalezki said so far the team looks out of shape but with plenty of time before the start of the season they’re a work in progress.
“In the first session, the pace was good. The execution was not there but that’ll get better as they wear off the rust,” he said.
“We’re happy with what we’ve got and how things are shaping up.”
One of the Vipers’ most recent signings Ayden Lynch, a rookie forward out of Blackfalds, said he joined the organization because they have big hopes for this season.
“I’m happy to be a part of it,” he said. “I was with the team for a couple of games last year and the boys make it fun. We’ve got a lot of big expectations for this season so I was happy they asked me to sign.”
Lynch added he’s happy the coaching staff has put their trust in him as a rookie and hopes to make an immediate impact this season.
“We’re in good hands with the new coaches. The boys have come ready to work so it should be a good year. I just want to help the team win in whatever way possible and make a big playoff push,” he said.
Fourth-year defenceman Brandon Kalinowski who will play his final year of junior B this season said camp was a success.
“The new coach has actually played us pretty tough but that’s kind of what we need right now. All the guys are pretty tired in there so it’s good to get back and work hard,” he said.
Last season the Vipers finished the regular season in fifth place in the north division with a record of 12-24-2.
The Vipers felt they didn’t meet their own expectations and the campaign was a disappointment. However, in the 2023-24 season, they hope to turn things around.
“From what I’ve heard from the coach it’s going to be a hard-working team and I think in this league that’s what it takes. It takes a hard-working group of men and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to,” he added.
The Vipers will open the season in Sylvan Lake against the Wranglers on Friday, Sept. 22 before their home opener on Saturday against the Cochrane Generals.
