It doesn’t appear Adam McMaster expects everything to be handed to him.
The Battalion 2016 first round pick was the first player to pick up pucks during Saturday’s warmup for the first scrimmage of the weekend.
After Saturday’s skate, McMaster said he wanted to get better on Sunday, hoping he will get an invite to main camp. That’s an incredibly humble statement for the Beamsville, Ontario product.
After Sunday’s second session, the team announced they had signed their first round pick and McMaster, yes, will get his invite to Main Camp.
“The fan base, it’s a high level of hockey for me, it’s a jump for me for later on in life,” McMaster said about signing with the Battalion.
“The city, when I came up here in April to watch that game four everyone was really welcoming, it was really nice.”
Competition
The two day orientation included fitness testing, a pair of four on four scrimmages, and a beautiful boat cruise on Lake Nipissing.
The camp was compromised primarily of the Battalion picks from the 2016 and 2015 OHL Priority Selections. Other players included a handful of free agents including local product Rob Ranger.
Free agent forward Shane Spencer was one of those free agents. Sporting a bright yellow helmet, the Athens Aeros Jr B forward showed some impressive size, strength and offensive touch on both days of the camp. He showed some impressive chemistry with 2016 draft pick Alex Robert who had a pair of goals in Saturday’s scrimmage.
Battalion 2016 second round selection Rhys Forhan had two goals on Saturday afternoon’s 8-8 draw.
Speedy sniper Adam McMaster was kept off the scoresheet Saturday but rebounded with two goals on Sunday for Team Green in a 6-4 win.
Battalion notes:
- Under sized Russian born goaltender Andrei Berezinskiy was absent from the camp. The graduate of the York-Simcoe Express Minor Midgets is home in Moscow writing exams.
- Free agent forward Justin McRae attended the camp. He is the son of former Maple Leafs forward Ken McRae.
- Battalion affiliate player Bradley Chenier, who joined the team full-time for the playoffs, was the lone 2015-16 Battalion roster player to suit up for the Orientation Camp.
- Free agent forward Jacob Shankar is the brother of Battalion defenceman Zach Shankar. Like brother Zach, Jacob isn't afraid to throw the body.
- Two Powassan Voodoos players took part in 2015 Battalion picks Eric Allair and Daniel Walker.
