Trappers ready for exhibition games

Trappers goalie Bryan Lawson makes a stop during an intersquad game on Thursday night at Pete Palangio arena. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Trappers will learn how they stack up against out of town competition this weekend after close to 50 players were battling each other for roster spots on the this week for the start of Trappers training camp.

New Trappers head coach Robin Boucher has been impressed with the competition which heats up this weekend with a pair of home exhibition games against Sudbury and Nickel City.

“The guys are just doing whatever they can to try and show us that they want to be here and show us that they can compete and they want to battle for every square inch of ice so they are doing a really good job and showing us the intensity they need,” said Boucher.

One player who has stood out is Mitchell Davis. The 15-year-old who put up big numbers last year with the North Bay Bantam AAA Blades and he’s already on OHL scouts radar.

“He’s shown that he’s willing to compete,” said Boucher.

“He’s more of an offensive type player but he’s out there giving it all he’s got, he’s finishing checks, he’s blocking shots, he’s doing a little more than we expected and I think he’s kind of setting the pace for the younger guys so its really good that he’s doing all the little things right.”

Davis will be joined by at least another pair of Blades teammates. Forward Roch Pellerin and defenceman Pascal Seguin have been impressive as well and both of the Trapper rookies will also get long looks from OHL scouts this season.

Goaltending battle

The goaltending competition has been a pleasant surprise to the Trappers coaching staff. Bryan Lawson, a 15 year-old who played Midget rep in Powassan last year, has been sharp. He faces tough competition from Blades graduates Tanner Davis and Patrick Rochefort.

“We had 11 guys start out and I mean each one of them gave us a tough choice in net so we are down to 5 now but that’s going to be a very tough job I think it’s going to come down to how they do in the exhibition games and how they keep their composure in those games," said Boucher who is also keeping a close eye on B.C. product Killian Schlemmer and Nicolas Devuono.

No Guarantees

Boucher is carrying a similar tune from former bench boss Larry Keenan. He says that all the veterans don’t necessarily have a guaranteed spot; they will have to earn it.

“We’ve talked to some of the eligible guys that can come back and we put it straight out for them you guys are the ones setting the tempo out there,” said Boucher.

“You have to show the young guys how to work and compete and the veterans have been doing a great job so far so as long as they keep that up they’ll have a spot on the team.”

Waiting game

The Trappers are hoping to find out by early next week what the status is of Jamie Olivier and Nick Huard.

Huard is at Skyhawks camp and Olivier; a draftee of the Erie Otters last spring, has been attending the Huntsville Otters Junior “A” camp.