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Search for the new Pontiacs is on

Pontiacs hope fast paced, hard-nosed camp is an indication of things to come in the 2017-2018 AJHL season.
Kyle Lamont of the white team and Graeme Byrkes of the black team face-off during the prospects camp.
Kyle Lamont of the white team and Graeme Byrkes of the black team face-off during the prospects camp.

Pontiacs hope fast paced, hard-nosed camp is an indication of things to come in the 2017-2018 AJHL season.

Over 160 hopefuls from all across North America took to the ice of the RJ Lalonde arena to battle it out for 13 roster spots at the Bonnyville Pontiacs Prospect Camp, held May 26 to 28.

This year's camp was a grueling one for players. Each on-ice session featured everything from beautiful goals and big hits to the occasional dropping of the mitts.

That's because unlike other AJHL teams, the Pontiacs invited some returning players to prospect camp to up the intensity level. Each player took part in four on-ice sessions before meeting with evaluators to discuss how well they did and what they could improve on.

Head coach and GM Rick Swan likes what he saw.

“You can tell because of the sweat and the performance of these players that it meant something to them,“ said Swan. “Nowadays, compete is such an important skill, and the work ethic we demand of our players is non negotiable. We're looking for character and ability, yes, but most importantly we're looking to ensure that compete remains a staple that the player has. We think if we do that we're in a good spot to be young and good and competitive.”

It was evident early in the camp the players heard the message loud and clear.

“I think we're really looking for hard nosed guys, guys who are going to go to the net and get their hands dirty. We're looking for players that are going to do a little bit of hitting and just act as a presence out there,” noted Ryley Hogan, who is likely to return for his first full season after joining the team late last year.

Isaac Saniga will also be returning to the team after an impressive rookie stint with the Pontiacs, tallying 18 goals and 33 points in 55 games. Saniga believes the coaching staff did a good job in addressing the competitive needs of the team.

“We're losing a lot of guys, a lot of key guys, you know, the 20 year olds, the big heavy bodies. We're looking for those type of players and I really think we addressed that here today,” he continued.

Swan hopes Saniga and other returning impact players, like reigning 30-goal scorer PJ Marrocco, will help propel a well-rounded team past what was their third best statistical season in team history. Their best since 2005-2006 when marquis names like Mark Letestu and Shannon Szabados dawned the Pontiacs jersey.

“I think from the perspective of statistics we had a pretty good year, but I think that our standard now is raised to the point that having a good year isn't good enough,” Swan explained, he went on to say it's too early to set any expectations for the season, but he is confident in the team's core.

“Our goaltending situation is in the best position it has been in franchise history, and we know the best way to build your team is from the back out,” said Swan. “We also have a great nucleus of forwards to build on.”

Of course, a lot can happen over the course of a summer. The Pontiacs will still have the ability to add key players to the roster via transaction, and again when they start returning from camps held in the Western Hockey League or the United States Hockey League.

For now, players will have to take the experience and work ethic they gained over the course of prospect camp and apply it to their own summer training program. With main camp in August still yet to get underway, the only thing set in stone for the 2017-2018 Pontiacs hopefuls is that if they show up to the rink, they had better be ready to compete.

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