The Peterborough Petes are less than a month away from the start of their 62nd Ontario Hockey League season.
This week the team is taking a good look at its roster. Returning players and prospects are taking part in fitness drills as well as on-ice scrimmages.
The goal is to crack the opening night roster on September 21st against Erie.
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“Just want to prove that I can play at this level. Especially at this level, you need to prove yourself on and off the ice,” said forward and first-round pick Nick Robertson.
Goaltender Blake Curran called it a dream come true to be drafted by the Petes in the Under-18 Draft this past spring.
He says he’s improved his style of play with hopes of getting on the roster as Dylan Wells’s back-up.
“I feel that I’m ready for it. Just prove who I am. With what I have, I should impress well,” said Curran. “I’ve played for the (minor) Petes my whole life. To hear my name called was amazing.”
For some returning players, it’s about upping their game.
Defenceman Matt Timms was sidelined for most of the Petes playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final last season.
He suffered a separated shoulder in Game 2 of the first-round series against Niagara, after crashing hard into the boards.
“I’m anxious to get back. My shoulder has recovered well, I’m itching to get back,” said Timms. “I shouldn’t miss anymore time. I’ve been cleared by doctors. It sucked that I had an extended summer. You never want that to happen, but I’m recovered and ready to go.”
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Training camp continues with scrimmages on Wednesday before roster cuts are announced.
The annual Maroon & White game will be played at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The team will travel to Buffalo on Friday for the OHL Pre-Season Showcase.
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