Kamloops Blazers searching for first win on U.S. Division road trip

The Russian import defenceman is expected to make his WHL debut on Friday, the Dallas Stars’ prospect touting new knowledge to impart after returning from his NHL club’s training camp earlier this week.

“Yeah, I think I learned a lot of things,” said Cherepanov, a 6-foot-1, 189-pound rearguard from Yekaterinburg, Russia. “It was so much fun. It was helpful for me, I’m sure. And, yeah, I brought some new stuff for the boys. I watched a couple of guys there during the practices, like [Miro] Heiskanen and [Mikko] Rantanen, and all of those NHLers. It was fun to watch, but they all play the right way and I think it’s the biggest thing.”

Dallas – which shares an owner with Kamloops, Tom Gaglardi – nabbed Cherepanov in Round 7 of the NHL Draft on June 27.

The Blazers picked Cherepanov in Round 1 of the CHL Import Draft on June 30, the selection spurred by suggestion from the Stars.

In its home and season opener last Saturday, Kamloops fell 4-2 to the Victoria Royals.

Cherepanov watched the game and said he plans to bring more confidence to the blueline and improve the club’s ability to break out of the defensive zone.

On offence, 19-year-old forward Thomson was a bright spot for Kamloops in the defeat, registering both of its goals on deflections.

Blazers’ brass took notice of Thomson’s improved physique, quickness and speed in training camp and the pre-season.

He said a change in summer workout regimen is paying off.

“I think the last couple of years, I really focused on being just big and powerful and strong, and I think I put a little bit more [emphasis] on speed and focusing on that quick twitch, just more quickness in the gym, more reps and smaller weights,” Thomson said. “Also, just lots of jumping and quick movements.”

Portland opened the season with a 3-2 overtime victory over the hometown Everett Silvertips on Saturday.

The Chiefs knocked off the Americans 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday in Spokane.

by Marty Hastings

Kamloops Blazers searching for first win on U.S. Division road trip

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