Manitoba Moose open training camp

WINNIPEG — The American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose opened their first training camp back in the province after re-locating from St. John’s in the off-season.

RELATED: Manitoba Moose open training camp on Tuesday

31 players took to the ice at the MTS Iceplex for the first day of camp for the Winnipeg Jets top minor league affiliate.

“Overall I thought considering the amount of bodies we had out there, we accomplished some pretty good things.” said Moose head coach Keith McCambridge.

24 of the players in attendance were at camp with the Jets, now under the under the watchful eye of McCambridge.  And for some the disappointment of yesterdays demotion to the AHL still hasn’t quite worn off.

“Naturally it’s what, you know, you’ve worked for all summer to try and stick and make the team.” Matt Halischuk said. “Just try to come down here and do the best I can and push you know day by day and get back up.”

“If I did get a fair shake or if I didn’t, it doesn’t change anything.” Patrice Cormier said.  “It is what it is. It is disappointing but if I come here and pout I’m not helping my case.”

But if there was a Jets hangover the head coach sure wasn’t seeing it on the ice.

“You do sit back and you watch to see how they’ve now reacted to being sent to the American Hockey League.” McCambridge said. “Overall when I see the players on the ice it was real positive.”

WATCH: Matt Halischuk and Patrice Cormier discuss getting sent down to Moose and Keith McCambridge on Day 1 of camp.

Nine players are in Moose camp on professional tryout contracts.

The Moose camp also includes three Manitobans. Forwards Brock Trotter and Brendan O’Donnell along with defenseman Peter Stoykewych are all competing for jobs.

Training camp continues through Monday at the Iceplex. They’ll play two exhibition games. Both games are on the road and both games are against the Iowa Wild. The Moose first pre-season tilt is on Saturday in Grand Forks, North Dakota with the rematch the following night in Fargo, N.D.

Single game tickets for all 38 home games go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. central time.

The Moose home opener is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 against the Ontario Reign.