Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Anthony Corea

WINTER RESET

Blazers look to get back on track Friday after winter break

Dec 27, 2024 | 4:09 PM

KAMLOOPS – The Kamloops Blazers have awoken from their long winter nap. The team took to the ice on Thursday (Dec. 26) and Friday in preparation for the second half of the regular season.

“Everybody’s excited to get going again,” said defenceman Layton Feist. “I think the break was good for us. We had a bit of a rough patch before the break. So I think it was a good reset throughout. We’re all excited to be back out here.”

Goalie Dylan Ernst returns to the lineup after missing the past couple of games with pneumonia. The Blazers are excited to get the veteran back between the pipes.

However, the team will have to wait a bit longer for defenseman Harrison Brunicke. Head Coach Shaun Clouston says the 18-year-old is still two-and-a-half weeks away from returning to the lineup but the team isn’t going to rush it. Brunicke is back with the team and skating again, which is a big step in the right direction for everyone.

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“I think one big thing is cardio fitness level, so I’m just trying to get that back,” Brunicke told CFJC Today. “I’m obviously doing some drills going with (Associate Coach Don Hay). It’s good to get back into shape and get ready for when I come back to play.”

The Blazers will also be missing Matteo Koci, who is off representing Czechia at the World Junior Championship in Ottawa. Clouston is hoping players will step up with the opportunity for more ice time available.

“You have to be ready. We learn lots in these stretches as an organization. We learn who is truly ready to step up and take on a bigger role moving forward this year and into next year. We also find out there are certain guys who aren’t quite there yet — and how do we help them develop?” said Clouston.

The team currently sees itself sitting ninth in the Western Conference standings, three points behind the Kelowna Rockets for the final playoff spot. With only four games against teams from out east the rest of the season, each matchup will be crucial and mean even more in the goal for playoffs.

It starts Friday night when the Blazers take on the Vancouver Giants. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Sandman Centre

by Anthony Corea