Forward Daylan Kuefler from Stettler, Alberta had an impressive showing at the recent four-day training camp (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

BLAZERS

As training camp closes, young kids standing out in bid to crack roster

Aug 26, 2019 | 3:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Blazers’ roster started out at 81 to begin camp last Thursday. It’s now down to 31 players as the team gears up for its first two preseason games, both at home, this weekend.

“The players have been very responsive and open,” said head coach Shaun Clouston as he prepares for his first season in Kamloops. “I’ve been impressed with their demeanor and their focus.”

Twenty-year-old forward Zane Franklin added, “It’s been really good so far. Obviously we still have some kids left, but the competition’s been good. The practice today was awesome, really fast-paced. If this is anything to indicate what is going on in the future, it’s going to be really good.”

Among the kids trying to crack the opening-night roster is Daylan Kuefler from Stettler, Alberta. The 17 year old lit up the intersquad games, scoring 10 goals and adding two assists in eight games.

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“I just came in and I just tried to work as hard as I could and do what I could to put the puck in the net,” he said. “And it seemed to work out okay. A couple of lucky bounces for sure.” Clouston thinks Kuefler has looked great so far.

“He had lots of success, statistically. The puck ended up in the net lots for him. I think it was prefaced by his hard work,” he noted. “He just works really hard. He plays a north-south game. He’s tenacious. He’s got good speed. He attacks.”

Kuefler played major midget in Red Deer last year after being cut by the Blazers in training camp. He scored 18 goals and had another 18 assists in 36 games last season back home. The scoring outburst at camp is making him feel better about his chances to make the team this time around.

“Oh for sure, it’s a huge confidence boost,” said Kuefler. “Just knowing that I can keep up with these guys was huge for me. I had a great summer.”

Clouston added, “He sure appears to be WHL-ready, absolutely. He’s showed up to camp, and his play and his work ethic is basically making a statement that he believes he’s ready to play.”

The emphasis from Clouston so far has been on speed. Franklin says that is what this team’s about.

“I’m excited about how he wants us to play,” he said. “I think that suits a lot of our players, so as long as we can take care of our own end, I think it’ll be a really fun year.”