Training camp has kicked off for the Portage Terriers, with hockey players from across Canada and some from the US making the trip to Portage. Several players took part in pre-camp skates at Stride Place, including Rhett Perrin and Parker Scherr. Both are returning players from last season.
Parker Scherr and Rhett Perrin caught up with PortageOnline to discuss being back in Portage for the season. Scherr, who hails from Edmonton, Alberta, is joining the team for his third season and says several of the guys have already gotten out on the ice.
"They're (the pre-camp skates) good. Most of it is just a lot of the veteran guys who are returning and are just in town a little bit early, but there have also been a few of the new guys who are in town, and I've gotten to meet them. Our returning players look great, and some of the new guys look really good too, so I'm excited to see what they can do at camp."
Perrin grew up just over an hour from Portage in Morden and notes that the group is all focused on camp, but they have a positive feeling about their team going into training camp.
"I think in the first week, we'll really find our identity when the season starts, but I think we're all kind of in the same mindset that we have a real good team this year, and we're looking forward to seeing what we can do."
Head Coach and General Manager Blake Spiller adds that this team is hoping for a great camp to evaluate the talent they have brought in.
"We like the group that we've got coming back, and we're optimistic about how things are going to go with our returning guys. At the same time, there's always some new guys that are going to come in and you have to see a little bit more of them before you can really get an idea of whether they're ready and how they can contribute."
Spiller also shares what he enjoys about coming back year after year.
"The exciting part of it is getting going. It always seems like it comes quick, but once you get going at it, you get the itch that you want to be at the rink, so we're getting to that point."
The Terrier's camp will run through the weekend and the opening game of the preseason will be on Tuesday, September 10, at Stride Place.