Camp one week away!

From Daniel Fink, reginapats.com

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2012

Pats Training Camp One Week Away
Head Coach Conacher Wants Players to Be Their Best

Regina, Saskatchewan – On Friday, August 31st the road to the 2012-13 WHL Regular Season truly begins for players hoping to crack a spot on the Regina Pats’ opening night roster.

The Pats scouting and coaching staff will spend the Labour Day weekend with the task of distilling the large number of prospects and returning players into a competitive roster.

“It’s very exciting to get back and see the people we’re bringing to camp. The new guys and the guys who are returning, to see what they’re going to be like,” says Pats Head Coach Pat Conacher. “Every year brings new excitement for us as a coaching staff. What we started here last year we want to take another step forward again this year and with this group, we’re very excited about it.”

On-ice practice sessions get going Friday morning with teams going head to head in evening scrimmages.

Returning players shouldn’t relax thinking their place on the team is safe. “Every spot is up for grabs,” comments Conacher, “Nothing is free, you earn everything you get. Just because you were here last year doesn’t mean you’re automatically on the team. You have to earn your way back on and go from there. It’s just like all the new guys coming in. If you want to come in and earn a spot, there’s one here for you, but again, you have to earn it.”

All training camp sessions are open to the public so fans can get acquainted with new faces and see returning players like Chandler Stephenson after his third round selection at the NHL Draft and Morgan Klimchuk after a Gold Medal performance with Team Canada’s U18 squad at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Europe.

Conacher’s expectations for players don’t go beyond wanting to see their best. “Right now I don’t think it’s fair to tag anybody with any type of expectations. You come in, you’re a hockey player, be who you are and be the best you can be each and every day and we’ll take that.”

The annual Blue and White game goes on the afternoon of Monday, September 3rd at the Cooperators Centre. Puck drop is two o’clock with the doors opening at one.