Generals ready for another season as training camp opens
The Oshawa Generals are back on the ice with training camp beginning this week. The Gens’ preseason begins Sept. 1 in Kingston against the Frontenacs. (Photo by Joel Wittnebel).
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
The Oshawa Generals will hope to keep the rebuild ball rolling this season as they open their training camp this week ahead of preseason action.
After being eliminated from the Ontario Hockey League Eastern Conference semifinal last season by the Mississauga Steelheads, the Gens will be looking to improve on that result, with a few new leaders stepping to the forefront.
With the departure of some keys faces last season due to trades (think Anthony Cirelli and Mitch Vande Sompel) and others being bumped out due to age (think former captain Joe Manchurek, star-goalie Jeremy Broduer, or Medric Mercier), the Gens will be looking for new young leaders to emerge.
Some young names will more than likely step forward, including Jack Studnicka, who after having a spectacular playoff was quickly scooped up by the Boston Bruins in last year’s NHL Entry Draft.
The young core of the team is also starting to come together with the likes of Danil Antropov, Allan McShane and Serron Noel.
This week, they will all hit the ice, and while Gens fans shouldn’t expect any big surprises, a few new faces could emerge at camp, which runs until Aug. 31.
“By being here this week, players will be a part of the most prestigious junior hockey franchise in the Canadian Hockey League. Every training camp has its own theme and fee. Every camp takes on a life of its own,” says Roger Hunt, the team’s general manager and vice president. “Nothing is given and everything will be earned. No player has been turned away from these doors that deserves to be on our team. Free agent or draft pick, if you deserve it, you will be given it.”
Many fans have been waiting in anticipation to get a glimpse at the newly signed import Nico Gross. However, it’s unclear if the Swiss defenceman will make it to training camp due to a recent illness preventing him from making the trip.
The Gens will scrimmage games today (Aug. 30) at 9:30 and 3:45 and Aug. 31 at 10:45 at the Tribute Communities Centre. On Sept. 1 the team will open its preseason in Kingston against the Frontenacs.
The preseason will consist of four games, two of which will take place in Durham Region. The first on Sept. 13 will see the Gens take on the Owen Sound Attack at the Pickering Recreation Complex, followed by a match against the Peterborough Petes in Bowmanville on Sept. 17.