Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Marty Hastings

HOME OPENER

Blazers optimistic ahead of home opener, but won’t be at full strength

Sep 17, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — After posting three wins and one overtime loss in exhibition play, the Kamloops Blazers are preparing for their WHL home opener on Friday (Sept. 20) against the Portland Winterhawks.

Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Sandman Centre.

“I think we’ve got to be guarded,” Clouston said, when asked about his club’s exhibition record. “Pre-season is a completely different season and things change right now, but it was fun to have a little bit of success. The players pushed hard.”

Blazers’ forward Andrew Thomson – who had 10 goals and 19 points in 65 games as a 16-year-old rookie in 2023-2024 — said there is optimism in the dressing room and belief the club is primed to take a significant step forward after its last-place finish last season.

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“I think last year, it was a really young group and I think this year everyone is coming in with a lot more confidence, knowing we can achieve a lot more than we did last year. I think that is a really important mindset for us.”

NHL prospects Harrison Brunicke (defenceman, Pittsburgh Penguins) and Emmitt Finnie (forward, Detroit Red Wings) are at their respective professional training camps and are not expected to be in the Blazers’ lineup this weekend.

Defenceman Ryan Michael and forwards Vit Zahejsky and Cole Wadsworth are sidelined with injuries that will keep them out of action this month.

Clouston opted not to reveal on Wednesday (Sept. 17) which goaltender – 20-year-old Dylan Ernst or Logan Edmonstone, who turns 17 on Oct. 3 – will start between the pipes against the Winterhawks.

“I probably won’t decide that until Thursday,” Clouston said.

The bench boss offered advice for handling butterflies ahead of the home opener: stick to your routine.

For 18-year-old rearguard Kalan Anderlini, that means leaning on superstition.

“I always put my right skate on first,” Anderlini said. “It’s just something I started when I was a kid. I just thought if I put my right skate on before my left skate, I’ll play good.”