Rookies set to vie for chance to crack Sabres’ roster

Aspiring players hoping to crack the Fort Frances Jr. Sabres’ roster will be looking to make a lasting impression this weekend.
Registration for the Sabres’ rookie camp, which costs $50, begins Friday at 1 p.m. Those interested are asked to bring work-out clothes as off-ice testing will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Then later that evening, Team #1 will practice at 6:15 p.m., followed by Team #2 at 7:15 and Team #3 at 8:15.
Full scrimmages will follow Saturday, with Game 1 at 9:15 a.m., Game 2 at 2:15 p.m., and Game 3 at 7:15 p.m.
The club then will narrow it down to two teams, with the camp concluding Sunday with a final game at 9:45 a.m.
“There will be a lot of young potential prospects in camp, mostly aged 16-18,” Sabres’ head coach Wayne Strachan said.
“About eight returning vets will also be in camp to get some ice [time] in a competitive environment, so we are looking to have close to 45 players,” added Strachan.
“It should be fun, and a good way to get the season going.”
One of those eight returning players will be Mitch Cain, who is entering his second season with the local junior squad. He’s using the rookie camp as a tune-up for the main training camp, as well as his potential tryout with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires later this month.
“I think there is a lot of local talent around that can really help out the team,” Cain enthused. “It should be fun to watch and be a part of.”
One member of that contingent of potential newcomers is Zach McCool, who spent last season with the Muskies.
“Most of their games are on the weekends, but now that I’m Grade 12 I can work around their practices with my spares,” McCool noted. “I’ve been at a hockey camp [in Ignace] for the last two weeks to get me in shape.”
Zach’s twin brother, Cody, also was at that camp until he sprained his wrist. But he’s expected to be on hand when the rookies hit the ice here Friday.
During the team’s inaugural rookie camp last August, three players were signed and 10 got invited to the main camp.
“Probably the biggest surprise [last year] was Shaun Egan,” Strachan recalled.
“He had played a short stint with the Borderland Thunder, and then after not playing for a season or two really showed us he wanted to be a Sabre and worked hard to make the team.”