Training camp primer

Published 2:38 pm Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Just two more days before the Tips take the ice for the first time at training camp. I’ve chatted with general manager Doug Soetaert and everyone who’s supposed to be at camp is apparently going to be there, including the two new Euros, so I figured it was time for a quick rundown of who’s battling for roster spots.

Let’s start with the returning players (birth year included):

Forwards (10): Josh Birkholz (91), Scott MacDonald (91), Tyler Maxwell (91), Campbell Elynuik (92), Cody Fowlie (92), Ryan Harrison (92), Tyler Giebel (93), Manraj Hayer (93), Josh Winquist (93), Jari Erricson (94).

Defensemen (4): Brennan Yadlowski (91), Evan Morden (93), Ryan Murray (93), Nick Walters (94).

Goaltenders (2): Luke Siemens (92), Kent Simpson (92).

Notable: That’s not a huge returning group, and at least one of those players won’t end up making the team as it includes four overagers. But despite the small numbers, a lot of these players still need to show something at training camp as Soetaert has already expressed his intention of going young this season, meaning the veterans aren’t necessarily safe. Center Landon Ferraro also remains on the roster, but he won’t be at training camp — though he will skate with the team after the preseason tournament to prepare for training camp with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings.

Now here’s the newcomers (I’m aware of, at least) who I believe are candidates to earn roster spots:

Forwards: Jesse Mychan (92), Vladimir Dolnik (93), Zach McPhee (93), Kohl Bauml (94), Jordyn Boyd (94), Lyrik Friesen (94), Trent Lofthouse (94), Carson Samoridny (94), Michael Bell (95), Ryan Chynoweth (95).

Defensemen: Dominik Bittner (92), Darian Henry (94), Austin Adam (95), Tye Hand (95), Andrew Weich (95).

Goaltender: Andy Desautels (94).

Notable: The 95s listed are the ones Soetaert mentioned, but that doesn’t mean another 16-year-old isn’t capable of impressing enough to break through. Soetaert also mentioned there are another veteran junior A player or two who have been invited and will vye for a spot, without providing names. Dolnik and Bittner, Everett’s import draft selections, will certainly make the team. Everyone else still has something to prove.

Everett will keep somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 forwards and seven defenseman, along with two goaltenders.

And a reminder that I intend to live blog from training camp, so check this spot for live updates beginning Thursday morning.