Blazers practice, Sept 21 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BLAZERS HOME OPENER

New look Blazers welcome Spokane to kickoff 2023-24 campaign

Sep 22, 2023 | 11:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — It’s been 113 days since Memorial Cup heartbreak for the Kamloops Blazers. But hope springs eternal and Head Coach Shaun Clouston believes the young team preparing to take the ice Friday night (Sept. 22) at Sandman Centre is ready to impress.

“Belief is important. If the guys believe and really dig in and go after it, I think it’s a positive. And where we are at right now is not where we want to be at the end of the season. It’s a developmental league,” said Clouston.

This young Blazers squad will be even younger Friday night as Fraser Minten, Connor Levis and Emmitt Finnie remain off at NHL camps, leaving Kamloops to rely on the old ‘next man up’ mentality.

“They are going to be really important players for us moving forward, but is is an opportunity for somebody else to get in and somebody play their first WHL game — and it will be fun,” added Clouston.

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While the team will be young up front, the goaltender room is one of stability with Matthew Keiper and Dylan Ernst returning to patrol the blue paint.

“We are both the same age, and both fighting to be the best goalie we can be and we are going to push each other to be our best,” said Ernst. “We are going to try to push to compete with each other. I think we teach each other new things every day, as well. It’s great to have a veteran guy like him there, too.”

A few steps in front of Ernst will be Czechia defenseman Vojtech Vochvest, slotted to make his WHL debut Friday evening. His passion for physical play could easily make the new d-man a fan favourite.

“They can expect a tough plays from me. I’m a tough guy, a lot of hits, hard player (to go against),” said Vochvest.

While Coach Clouston doesn’t like the buzz word of “identity,” he hopes the team fans see Friday night will begin to grow as a unit and develops as the year rolls on.

“That’s the mindset, is each and everyday we figure out a way to get a little bit better,” said Clouston.

Puck drop Friday night is just after 7:00 p.m., with the Spokane Chiefs in town for the Blazers’ only game of opening weekend.