Compete-level high on Day 2 of Falcons Camp
By Kenton Wolfe | August 23rd, 2017
Over 30 skaters took to the ice Tuesday night at the Gatorade Garden City Complex for Day 2 of the Jr. B St. Catharines Falcons training camp.
Falcons-hopefuls were excited to meet new Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald, 30, who spent last season as the GOJHL Cambridge Winter Hawks bench boss. Fitzgerald was happy with the level of competition early on in camp.
“The level of competition is fantastic,” said Fitzgerald. “Some of the younger guys are doing a great job of battling for spots. The older guys have come in great shape.”
Returning Falcons forward Tanner Ferreira, 20, was anxious to get started after a long summer. Ferreira is entering his second season as a Falcon and his fourth year in the GOJHL.
“You know, its nice to see all the fellas again,” said Ferreira. “It’s good to meet the new coaching staff. Not much has changed but a new head coach. The pace is up and there’s some new drills.”
Though the team is still awaiting the return of some players, Fitzgerald stressed the importance of competitiveness from both new and returning players.
“You have to work hard for us,” said Fitzgerald. “If you’re committed and you’re working hard and you do that you’re going to be successful. We expect a lot here. The standard is very high, we expect things from your character. If you come here and work hard, you’re a good person, you’re going to help us win.”
One new player could already feel the intensity ramping up. Defenseman Tristan DeJong, 17, is entering his first year with the Falcons. DeJong considers himself a two-way defensemen with intensity.
“Its good high pace hockey already,” said DeJong. “All the boys look good, even some of the prospects. I’m looking forward to coming in and showing what I can do.”
The Falcons play host to the Niagara Falls Canucks tonight at 7:30 P.M at the Jack.
