The Yorkton RawTec Maulers of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League held their annual spring camp last weekend.
A total of 139 hockey hopefuls (124 skaters, 15 goalies) travelled from across the province to take part in the three-day camp that was held at the Farrell Agencies Arena.
Maulers’ head coach Kevin Rawlick said it was an excellent camp.
“There were a lot of skilled hockey players in all the age groups. It made camp very, very competitive,” he said.
This year, Rawlick said they went with a new approach for their spring camp.
They invited players as young as first-year bantams. After Saturday’s sessions, cuts were made. On Sunday, the remaining players split into six teams, adding up to three games, to show the evaluators one last show.
The first game was called the “young guns” game, which consisted of 2002-2003 players who Rawlick said needed a year at midget AA.
The second game consisted of 2000-2001 age players. These were players who the evaluators wanted to get a second look at – some will be invited back to the main camp in August. This was called the “second chance” game.
The third and final game of the day consisted of players who the coaching staff is very interested in. They were the 2000-2001 age players who Rawlick said have a good shot at making the team.
“Now, we’ll have about 35-40 kids back to fall camp,” said Rawlick. He said they’d then look at the questions they need answered, which includes the exact number of spots the Maulers need filled.
Rawlick said right now they have four forward spots they need to fill. On the back end, things are a little different. Players coming in will have to beat veteran players, or signed players, to get those defensive spots.
When it comes to goalies, Rawlick is not sure where they stand. Depending on what happens in the junior leagues, they might need two new goalies, or they may not need any.
A few months ago, the Maulers got commitments from five players from Yorkton’s midget AA and bantam AA teams. Those players were in attendance on the weekend, and Rawlick said he was not disappointed.
“I thought our bantam signing players came in and were fantastic. They showed great leadership. Austin Dycer was one of the best defensemen at camp,” said Rawlick.
“Our midget AA guys were everything we expected. They’re quality kids. They had a long hockey season, and we were very happy that they won the midget AA league/provincial championship.”
Behind the bench, the Maulers have announced several positions that have been filled for next season.
The trainer/equipment manager will be Johnny Ronn. The assistant trainer/equipment manager will be Colby Ross. The video coach will be Gord Ross.
In terms of assistant coaches, Rawlick said he’s waiting to hear confirmations from a few people, but he plans to go with multiple coaches. One of those will be Dulane Lamb, who was the assistant coach last season after Rawlick stepped up as interim head coach.
Rawlick’s reasoning for several assistant coaches is simple.
“The more influences the better around the kids,” he said.
For now, the remaining Maulers hopefuls have a few weeks to rest and recover from camp. In June, they’ll start a detailed workout regimen that they’ll continue throughout the summer until fall camp in August.
Alumni:
Rawlick said that one big thing that they’re trying to do is get Maulers alumni more involved. They had more than 25 evaluators at their spring camp, and a lot of those were alumni.
The Maulers hosted a volunteer/alumni appreciation on Saturday evening to thank them for their contributions.
Rawlick said they’re very proud of their alumni, and they want them involved every year.
“This summer, we’ll be hosting an alumni golf tournament. We’re hoping to attract alumni such as Chris Kunitz, Tanner Glass, Damon Severson and others,” said Rawlick.
For any information on alumni events or the upcoming season, feel free to contact Kevin Rawlick at coach@yorktonaaamidget.com.
