Imagine driving nearly a full day to play junior hockey?
That story emerged from the Kam River Fighting Walleye extended camp this past weekend.
GM Kevin McCallum says the long haul from British Columbia was worth it.
“He was one of our surprises that’s still here with us,” says McCallum. “That shows a lot right? Those are kids that want to be here. That was our mindset going in, we want kids to be here and contribute and be a part of this deal moving forward.”
Above is GM Kevin McCallum Talking About Notables Still In Camp
THE WEEKEND
Welcoming in so many players for a weekend at the Tournament Centre wasn’t going to be an easy venture, McCallum indicates all went well.
“You know, to check in 48 players and take their temperatures, was really something,” adds McCallum. “Although most of the kids were tested before they arrived in Thunder Bay, the Tournament Centre staff was amazing with us.”
The team is holding weekly skates in the city until their dressing room is ready at the Norwest Recreation Centre in Oliver Paipoonge.
THUNDER BAY KINGS
The young players made quite the impression in camp.
RELATED: Walleye, Kings Agreement For Graduating Players
“We’re not able to sign (the Thunder Bay Kings players) this year but to see the level of excitement and enthusiasm they brought to our camp, they fit in. There’s a couple of them absolutely I’d love to bring in,” indicates McCallum.
LONE TEAM SKATING IN THE LEAGUE
It turns out the Kam River Fighting Walleye is the only team skating in the Superior International Junior Hockey.
“I know our cross town rivals (Thunder Bay Northstars) they haven’t started any skates or camps. Dryden (GM Ice Dogs) is looking to start next month. Fort Frances (Lakers) just hired a new coach so I’ve been trying to help him out with recruiting players. Red Lake (Miners) isn’t getting ice until the middle of October at least.”
Goes without saying, skates and the season in general is up in the air for the Thief River Falls Norskies and the Wisconsin Lumberjacks thanks to COVID-19 and the border closed to non-essential travel until October 21st.
US, MANITOBA COMPETITION
“We had planned on playing the Neepawa Natives and the Steinbach Pistons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. We were also looking to play a few other teams, including the Saint Scholastica Saints in Minnesota and Northland College Lumberjacks in Wisconsin. Obviously those trips will have to wait until next year,” says McCallum.
The league is committed to a November 14th start date for the 2020/2021 Regular Season.