Skyhawks wrap up spring camp

Skyhawks prospects wait for their turn to hit the ice. Photo by Chris Dawson.

An intense Skyhawks spring tryout camp ended up taking a back seat to the Skyhawks press conference about the uncertainty of the franchise due to the possible birth of a University Hockey franchise in the city.

Still close to 40 players from the North Bay area,
Sudbury, Barrie and even Michigan took part in the two-day spring tryout camp.

It’s tough to recruit players when the franchise may fold after next season but head coach Ian Swalucynski tried to focus on the camp and the talent he was seeing on the ice.

"You want to see how the Trapper guys do and who is going to rise to the next level,” said Swalucynksi.

“You want to see the kids that are all '92's, '91's, and '90 year born kids and how they are against their own age. We are looking for some more local talent and I think some of the guys have impressed and some of the guys have a lot to work on this summer.“

Swalucynski liked what he saw from Trappers Nick Huard and Mitchell Davis along with St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Bears graduate Graham Loyst.

Michigan netminder Bob Butterfield was impressive in goal as he may be looking to take over the goaltending duties left by Andre Laperriere and Ian Wilson.

No word on whether any players were signed after the spring camp.

“Some of the top end guys may have other offers and if they want to go out of town that's up to them. We can offer cards, we can do what we want but at the end of the day the ball is in their court and if they don't want to play in front of 2000 people and be on a competitive team that's their decision."

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A pair of players attending the weekend camp saw their names pop up during the OHL Draft on the weekend. Trappers forward Mitchell Davis and Nickel City Sons affiliate goalie Max Bouffard were both claimed in the 11th round of the draft by Erie and Niagara respectively.

Skyhawks underage forward Jordan Carroll has signed with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and is expected to fight for a roster spot on the OHL club next fall. Carroll was a 7th round draft pick of the Greyhounds in 2007.