Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Anthony Corea

BLAZERS CAMP

Kamloops Blazers return to Sandman Centre for start of training camp

Aug 30, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS – The Kamloops Blazers took to the ice this morning as the team began their 2024 training camp. 72 players split up between four different teams. All trying to impress coaches with their play.

“We’re looking for the qualities, the compete factor, the drive that we feel is necessary to not only get into the league but to have success in the league,” says Head Coach and GM, Shaun Clouston.

The Blazers are expected to have a big group of returning players from last year’s roster, bringing experience, chemistry, and leadership to a rebuilding hockey team. A big step in the quest of improving on last season’s record.

“We’re in real good hands,” adds Clouston, “We have a little bit of a smaller core group that has been with us for a while that are totally bought in. They did a great job last year and they’re going to continue to do a great job with leadership.”

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Two of those core players looking to take the next step are Jordan Keller and Nathan Behm.

Keller was traded to Kamloops last year as a part of the Fraser Minton trade. Now the Kamloops native is entering his fourth season in the WHL with 143 regular-season games under his belt. It will be his first full season with the Blazers an exciting thought for the 19-year-old.

“Last year I played a lot of games here in Kamloops, and this is my first training camp, obviously. But, it’s been a lot of fun,” says Keller, “I know all the guys and meeting new faces, obviously, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Nathan Behm enters his second season in the WHL after putting up stellar numbers in his rookie year. The Blazers’ 2022 1st-round draft pick is excited to get back to work with his teammates and hopes his success continues with such a familiar cast around him.

“Yeah, I thought I had a good year last year. I’m ready to take a big step this year. I think we all are,” adds Behm, “I think we’re gonna have a competitive team this year. And, yeah, I’m ready to go.”

Training camp will take place all weekend, with all ice sessions open to the public. Monday’s young guns game closed up the festivities. Kamloops will open their pre-season on home ice on September 6 against the Kelowna Rockets.

For a full Training Camp schedule click HERE