The veteran head coach of the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild likes what he’s seen from his New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Midget Hockey League team two weeks into training camp.
“I am really impressed with our guys right now,” assessed Dunn. “It’s going to be a tough lineup to crack, whether you were there last year or you are a first-year player.
“It’s competitive and that’s not even including guys who are at junior camps. I’m excited to see what unfolds over the next couple of weeks.”
Dunn expects the provincial major midget champions to make their first cuts on Thursday night, and the team will participate in the league’s pre-season jamboree tournament in Moncton, N.B., on Saturday and Sunday.
“There will be lots of debates,” admitted Dunn.
The Wild will practise on Monday and Wednesday of next week, before hosting Newbridge Academy in a pair of exhibition games at Community Gardens on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 17 at noon.
The Wild opens regular-season play in Kensington on Sept. 23 against the Northern Moose, formerly the Miramichi Rivermen. The Wild’s roster, which can consist of up to 20 players, must be submitted to the league the week of their opening game.
In the past the Wild left a roster spot open for a player at a different level to possibly return later in the season. However, with so much competition for jobs this year, Dunn said that will be one of the tough decisions facing the coaching staff and management.
“This year, with the competition so great, you hate to leave a kid off who deserves a spot hoping you get someone back,” said Dunn. “I don’t know what we’ll be doing.”
Six goaltenders
There are six goaltenders competing for two positions.
“We have good numbers and good competition,” said Dunn, who noted the battle for jobs on the blue-line is also intense.
“It’s very competitive back there,” said Dunn.
Up front, Dunn described the battle for jobs as “very, very competitive.” He continued: “Our veterans are well aware that nothing is guaranteed and they’ve been well informed that just because you were here last year it does not mean you are back again. That’s how competitive it is.”
Jamboree
Kensington Wild’s schedule at jamboree:
Saturday, Sept. 9
10:45 a.m. – vs. Saint John.
2:15 p.m. – vs. Fredericton.
Sunday, Sept. 10
2:15 p.m. – vs. Northern.
5:45 p.m. – vs. Moncton.
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