The Battlefords AAA Stars spring evaluation camp took place this weekend, with players from around the province bidding for an opportunity to play for the prestigious franchise.
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Seventy players from Saskatchewan made their way over to the Don Ross Centre to scrimmage in front of coaches, scouts and general managers. Skaters came as far north as La Ronge, from Estevan and Weyburn in the south. Also, a large number that were in attendance came from both the Battlefords and zone seven.
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The camp was invitational, so the coaches had already been able to narrow down some of the talent.
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High octane, competitive scrimmages were played throughout the weekend as the participants were divided into four teams. Players held nothing back. Tremendous physicality was evident throughout the weekend as skaters looked to impress the coaches surrounding the rink.
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鈥淏y this time of year, every player should arrive in peak physical condition,鈥� Manager Shawn Robinson said of why they include scrimmages instead of drills. 鈥淲e want to see them in a game situation, with a slightly higher tempo than they鈥檙e used to.鈥�
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As far as what the coaching staff is looking for, Robinson says it鈥檚 not just the talent level they are interested in.
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鈥淭he coaching staff are looking for the best players on the ice at their position, but personality will definitely come into the equation,鈥� Robinson continues, 鈥淵ou want to be sure you have good team chemistry. It doesn鈥檛 matter to us whether they鈥檙e a first year or a third year Midget [player]. There is no building for the future philosophy. The elite players usually won鈥檛 be with us for a full three years.鈥�
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Once the team is selected, there will be several offseason workouts followed by four to six exhibition games in early September.
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When talking about expectations, Robinson isn鈥檛 shy to point out where he wants the team to be at the end of the upcoming year.
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鈥淥ur expectation every year is to qualify for the Macs International Tournament in Calgary over the Christmas holidays,鈥� Robinson said.
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There were 18 1999 aged skaters in attendance, 19 2000 born players, 33 players born in the year of 2001 and two who were born in 2002.
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The AAA Stars look to build on an excellent season where they finished in eighth place with a record of 20-20-0-4.
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The 2015-16 season awards banquet also took place over the weekend. Here is the full list of award winners.
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MVP: Owen Lamb
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Top Scorer: Owen Lamb
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Plus/Minus Award: Owen Lamb
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Coaches Award: Keelan Saworski
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Rookie of the Year: Lance Alm and Luke Reid
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Bruce Yockey Award for top Defenceman: Dawson Bacon
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Most Underrated: Tyson Meyers
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Most Improved Player: Jordan Mish
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Brian Wallin Memorial Award for Most Dedicated Player: Keegan McBride
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Alan Welykochy Memorial Achievement Award for in Recognition of Hockey, Education and Citizenship: Donavon Beatty
