Beginning preparations for next season, the Kindersley Jr. Klippers held their spring camp this past weekend at the West Central Events Centre. It was very-well attended, as current Klippers prospects were on the ice alongside other players looking to enter the team's radar.
Klippers head coach and general manager Clayton Jardine shared more on the busy weekend at the rink.
"We had about 160 kids from Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Ontario, and the (United States)," shared Jardine, as those players joined Saskatchewan talent in attendance. "Had kids from everywhere. Our scouts did a great job of inviting players."
The camp was completely maxed out, as Klippers scouts had a good chance to build their books for the upcoming draft. They organized four teams of "young guns" consisting of '09 and '10 born players, and then another six teams of players born between '06 and '08.
It was a competitive weekend featuring quality hockey players.
"Overall, we did a wonderful job as an organization. From our scouts, to Ryan Gibson our assistant general manager, I was impressed with how our team did in inviting everyone."
Joining roster hopefuls on the weekend were players already in the Klippers' prospect pipeline. Jardine talked about getting a continued look at those players, such as last year's #2 overall pick in the SJHL Draft Jaxon Herchak.
"We had pretty much everyone from our draft list attend. We had our LOI's (letters of intent) as well. Ethan Sautner, Jaxon Herchak, Daniel Carel were all there." shared Jardine, before teasing a few signings. "Had a couple more LOI's that we signed during camp, that we will be releasing soon on social media."
Jardine called the camp important for identifying talent, but also successful in terms of allowing players to visit Kindersley. Looking to build off a playoff appearance in 2023, the Klippers should be an attractive spot for young talent looking to play Junior A.
Camp ran Friday through Sunday in Kindersley (Photo via Klippers marketing)Following camp, Jardine is taking some much-needed time off. Aside from keeping up with the SJHL playoffs, the Klippers coach shared what's in store for the offseason.
"Spend a couple weeks with my family here, going on a little road-trip. Then get back to town, and thank all the sponsors for everything they did this year." said Jardine. "Before we know it the draft will be here, and we will be able to make trades and make this team better."
The 2024 SJHL Draft is set for June 1.
Tue, Apr 30, 12:00 PM
