ALBUQUERQUE – This weekend the 3HL Ice Wolves held their mini camp. It was a tough camp as always where they played 4 scrimmage games over the 3 days. Head Coach Darren Banks was pleased with the effort, “I thought the competition level was really good. Overall the conditioning coming into camp can be difficult, especially coming into the elevation. He said, “I thought the games got better as it went on. That first practice the guys were a little tired, it was a great weekend and we’re excited to get started with training camp.”
The team brought 36 players into the mini camp, with plenty of familiar faces, Coach Banks doesn’t solely rely on them to be leaders, “I think the way we build our team everybody is a leader. You have to at some point lead by example, lead with your voice in the locker room.” He continued, “For the start of the season moving into training camp, I expect the returners to show the new guys the intensity and detail we want to play with, to gel this team together to have them ready by the end of September.”
The biggest change is in net, as the Ice Wolves are replacing two outstanding goal tenders including NA3HL Goaltender of the Year Owen Zenone. Assistant Coach Alex Gilbert knows they have some tough skates to fill, “Obviously there’s no replacing what we had last year. Owen Zenone came in and took the league by surprise.” He continued, “Looking at this group we know they’re hard workers and awesome kids. At the end of the day, that’s what’s important.”
The Ice Wolves are looking to continue building in their 3rd year, having made the South Division Finals each season, coming one win away last season from advancing to the Fraser Cup Tournament. Coach Banks says he’s taking it one day at a time. “I’ve made a mistake in the past of looking forward to things and not enjoying every step of the way. For this year, I was looking forward to this weekend’s mini camp, I’m looking forward to Training Camp.” Banks said, “We’re trying not to get ahead of ourselves, so it’s one step at a time. Moving into tomorrow, that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I’m trying not to set big expectations for the whole season.”
Note: Both teams continue training camp this week. The NAHL wrapped up a pair of preseason games at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, TX, falling to the Lone Star Brahmas 3-1 Saturday and defeating the Oklahoma Warriors 3-1. On September 13th and 14th for the first time ever, the US National Team Development Program will visit the Outpost to take off the NAHL Ice Wolves. This will be extra special for Ice Wolves defenseman Johnny Johannsson, his uncle Jim was assistant executive director of USA Hockey and played a major role in building the USNTDP.
Photo credits to Scott Adamson
Courtesy of Pro Hockey News