08/05/2006

North Stars go camping

Team has 45 players competing for 25 spots

TRAVERSE CITY — After just two training camp sessions on Friday, Traverse City North Stars head coach Scott Gardiner can already see a very bright season on the horizon.

The invitation-only camp — comprised of returning North Stars players, draft picks, tenders, free agents, and the best of the best from a summer's worth of scouting, video review, and tryout camps — is a de facto proving ground for a team trying to build on a 19-win season in its inaugural campaign. With only 25 roster spots and 45 players in camp, it doesn't take a mathematician to recognize the competitive dynamic at work in the Republic Rink at Centre ICE arena.

"What a start," beamed Gardiner following Friday's second on-ice session. "The talent and the skill here is unbelievable — and that's just the first day. These guys still have some summer rust on their sticks and the nerves factor. I can't wait to see the scrimmages."

Veteran defenseman Richie Zobak, who took part in numerous Stars camps a year ago, noticed a palpable difference 12 months later.

"After just one workout, I can tell," said Zobak.

There are 15 players in camp who finished the 2005-06 season in the North American Hockey League, while two others — defenseman Harrison Niemann (Omaha) and Ray Kaunisto (Cedar Rapids) — plied their trade in the tier-I United States Hockey League. In all, 26 of the hopefuls ended last season in the junior ranks.

There is also a strong Montana flavor to the camp, as four players from defunct franchises have found their way to Centre ICE. Forward Matt Hughes (three goals, three assists in 28 games) and defenseman Jameson Raymond (five goals, five assists in 44 games) helped lead Bozeman to the best record in the NAHL and a Robertson Cup Finals berth, while Travis Hamway amassed 17 goals and 35 assists over 51 games to lead Billings in scoring and John Jacob chipped in with three points in 10 games for the Bulls.