The Nanaimo Buccaneers started figuring out their crew as they prepare to set sail on the 2015-16 season.
The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League club held its training camp this past weekend at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
More than 50 players participated in the camp, led by an all-new coaching staff.
“It was a hard camp, guys were tired by the end of it, but I got to see a lot of kids in a lot of different situations, which is what I wanted to set out to do,” said Dan Lemmon, Buccaneers coach and general manager.
He said the returning players all reported in top shape.
“Obviously the commitment level has been there this summer,” Lemmon said.
The coach mostly wanted to use the weekend to get his guys on the ice and in game situations, such as the black-versus-yellow intrasquad game at the end, won 6-2 by Team Black.
Immediately afterward, the Bucs coaching staff set about making “tough decisions,” Lemmon said.
“We kind of got a good look at our depth chart to see where the guys are going to start stacking up,” he said. “So this is one step along the way from a championship season.”
GAME ON … The Buccaneers play their first pre-season game this Friday (Aug. 21) as the Oceanside Generals visit the NIC for a 7 p.m. faceoff. The VIJHL regular season starts Sept. 4 at Campbell River.
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Nanaimo Buccaneers training camp. Team Black beat Team Yellow 6-2 this morning… #Nanaimo #Buccaneers #VIJHL pic.twitter.com/hL0MG8rNtK
— Greg Sakaki (@BulletinSports) August 16, 2015