The race is on to be part of the 2014/2015 Grande Prairie Storm roster.
Training camp starts Monday, and Coach and General Manager Kevin Higo expects it to be competitive, as even returning players are new to him.
“We’re looking at everybody having to battle for positions. The returning veterans will be challenged, and they’re going to have to establish their position and the young guys coming in, they’re all chomping at the bit, excited to be here. They want to play as well so it should make for a real competitive camp.”
An estimated 43 players will be vying for a spot, including several locals.
They’ll be put to the test from August 18th to 21st, ending with the annual Brian Nash Memorial game on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Higo has already shuffled some guys around this summer, including captain Sasha Larocque.
There are still more deals possible, but Higo would want them done by Sunday.
“We’re just trying to be patient. If we can get something done throughout the weekend and have some guys here for Monday we will, but we’ll stay close to the phone here and try to be involved as much as we can. Whether we can get these two deals done before Monday or not, I’m not sure.”
His goal is to have the most improved team next season and make the playoffs again.