STORM SCOUT PLAYERS FOR THIS SEASON
By: Skip Berry
Tri-City Storm Communications
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
KEARNEY, Neb. – There was a mission for Head Coach/General Manager Drew Schoneck going into the Tri-City Storm’s Main Camp last week. His assignment was to select a defensive core that will be stronger this season.
“The group of defensemen was a lot better than where we were a year ago in camp,” said Schoneck. “Where we are going to be in the league [regarding defensemen] this year is yet to be determined, but it is a lot better already.”
D Rick Pinkston, who enters his third season in the league, was impressed with the possible teammates on the blue line and expects good things from the defensemen this season.
“They [defensemen at the camp] were extremely talented this year and the average size was a lot bigger then at last year’s camp,” said Pinkston. “I think we will have one of the best defensive-cores in the league this season after what I saw at our camp.”
Because the defense was outstanding in camp, the Storm forwards had a tough time scoring goals during the weekend games.
“That happens a lot at these camps,” said Schoneck. “Last year, Jaden (Schwartz) didn’t score at camp and he ended up leading the league in scoring, so I’m not worried about that. Right now, I’m a lot more comfortable with my defense and the scoring will come from some players who might be flying under the radar.”
One of the players who were held goalless during the games was second year forward Kenny Brooks. He said it was tough to get to the net because the defense wouldn’t budge and the goalies were making big saves when needed.
“Camp was intense and there were a lot of players blocking shots, which added to how well the defense played,” Brooks said. “The pace was fast and physical during camp and it prevented a lot of time and open ice for the forwards to get shots to the net.”
Despite scouting the prospects at the camp, the summer could still bring changes to the Storm lineup via trades and free-agent acquisitions. Schoneck said it will be tough to know which players will be playing for the Storm to begin the regular season in October, but added that he was happy to see that the camp was a great starting point to this upcoming season.
“We are going to keep building a hockey team until the season starts. What it will look like is still in question, but I’m sure it will be a fun team to watch this season,” Schoneck added.
The Storm are part of the United States Hockey League, which has 16 teams across nine states in the Midwest. Get your season tickets now for the 2010-11 season by calling the Storm office at 308-338-8809.