For many Western Hockey League hopefuls taking part in the Moose Jaw Warriors rookie camp the past two days, it was their first opportunity to play the highest level of hockey in their career - and gain valuable experience while doing so.
For others, it was a chance to show the coaching staff exactly what they were capable of and hopefully earn a spot in the club's main camp beginning Monday.
Regardless of the individual situation, one thing came to the forefront for the vast majority of players according to the club's coaching staff -- plenty of desire to play at the major junior level, something that assistant coach Marv Merkel says bodes well for the future.
"These kids have come to play and they've played hard, they're all doing what they can to make the club," he said. "The players knew what the expectations were and they showed they're willing to try and live up to those expectations."
The camp featured a mix of around 75 players aged 15 and 16 years, with 26 of those listed by the club. Merkel pointed to the club's top two draft picks from the 2000 WHL Bantam Draft -- left winger Tyler Johnson of Breton, Alta. and defenceman Brett Carson of Whitewood, Sask., chosen seventh and 25th overall respectively -- as standouts through the round robin scrimmages Thursday and Friday.
"They're young, both are 15-year-olds, but we're very impressed with their skill level," Merkel said. "They've both played very well, not that we were surprised at all to see that."
On the same token, the Warriors coaching staff has also seen plenty of good things from players who are rookie camp veterans. A year removed from scoring eight goals and 14 points in the four camp scrimmage games, 1999 first round pick Kyle Brodziak is once again hitting the scoresheet, while fellow forward Shaun Landolt, a fifth round pick in '99, has also made waves.
"As well as the younger guys are playing, we certainly don't want to take anything away from the kids drafted in previous years," Merkel said. "We knew they had very good skills and they've improved since last year, which is exactly what we want to see.
"We've been watching the kids all winter and they have improved, they were expected to improve and the kids themselves expected to improve. They push themselves, they work hard and they've become better players because of it."
The Warriors cut down to around 37 players after the rookie camp scrimmage tournament final. Those players were split into two teams, with separate practice sessions this morning in preparation for the Rookie Intrasquad game today at 5 p.m.
Following that contest, the club will cut to around 20 for the rookie game Sunday in Swift Current.
The Warriors will decide after that game how many players to take to Main Camp. A total of 12 were chosen last year.
Merkel expects around 60 players to battle for spots on the team beginning with fitness testing Monday and the first on-ice sessions Tuesday.
