The Lethbridge Hurricanes hit the ice for 2023 training camp
WHL hockey is back in Lethbridge with the Hurricanes kicking off their 2023 training camp.
Following a long off-season, players are eager to get back on the ice.
"It's always a long summer, you know the last few weeks go by slow when you're itching to get back here," said veteran defender and team captain, Joe Arntsen.
"It feels like I’ve been to quite a few camps now and every year I seem to get more excited to come back."
Last season, the ‘Canes finished fifth in the eastern conference, earning them a playoff spot.
However, they were swept in the first round by the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Returning players say they're looking to make some changes to better position themselves for the upcoming season.
"We were in tight games last year, like two to one and three to two final (scores), so this year, maybe we add a lot of scoring and start to put the puck in the back of the net more," said second year forward Miguel Marques.
"Obviously, with the new coach, we have some more new systems and stuff so we're going to play more offensive, so I think those areas will be very good."
"Playoffs is always the goal, especially getting a win in the playoffs," added Arntsen.
"The last two years have been disappointing how we finished, so I think getting to the playoffs is the first goal and we'll take it from there."
There are 79 players at camp which the ‘Canes will have to trim to 50.
It's a great opportunity for some of the rookies to come out and learn from the vets on the team and grow as players.
"It’s awesome just to see what they do, see how they prepare, see a day in the life of them and learn from them," said Dayne Beuker who taken by the ‘Canes in the first round of the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft.
New head coach, Bill Peters, was at the rink Thursday watching camp and, for the most part, getting his first look at the young talent.
"They're going to make good plays," Peters told CTV News.
"I've seen the guys skate for a couple days in Ccaptain’s practice. There’s tots of pace, lots of skill, lots of guys to be excited about. I think the future is bright for 2023/24 and then moving forward."
Returning players say they're looking to make some changes to better position themselves for the upcoming season.
Despite the controversy surrounding Peters over the past few years, players say they're looking forward to learning from a talented coach with NHL experience.
"We've had a quick talk with Bill and he seems like a great guy," Arntsen said.
"I'm excited to really get to know him and get to work with him. He was in the NHL for a reason and the guys are really excited about that."
Training camp runs throughout the weekend, ending with their annual Red vs. White intersquad game on Sunday.
Training camp is free to attend for fans and the intersquad game is free with a donation of cash or a non-perishable food item for Lethbridge's food banks.
The first pre-season game is Tuesday, Sept.5 against the Medicine Hat Tigers at the ENMAX Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.