The Portage Terriers' season wrapped up nearly a month ago, and with the change of season comes the Dogs' annual spring rookie camp.
11 goalies, 30 defencemen, and 63 forwards made up the teams that took part in the camp, with 25 players having suited up in the Central Plains region over this past season.
Gavin Davis spent last year with the U18 Central Plains Capitals, and as one of the players from Portage, noted that it was pretty neat to be able to get out to his hometown team's camp.
"I just went out there. I couldn't make all the skates, but the one I went to, I thought I did pretty well, and I have some good connections with coaches there, so it was a pretty good experience overall."
Davis also notes that it was nice to be able to compete against guys he's known and played with for a few years.
"Yeah, there's some really great competition there. All good guys. I played with some of them before, and it was really cool being out there with all my buddies."
One sight that is relatively common at the Terriers' rookie camp is players from the previous season who live in the area taking part, and this year, Portager Koy Funk took part in a different way than in previous years.
Funk was the weekend's referee, which Davis adds, was pretty cool.
"He's a close friend of mine. He's my age, too, and just seeing what he's accomplished, it's pretty motivating and gives you a bit of hope. So, hopefully I can share some success like that."
Our Spring Prospects Camp is underway at Stride Place! Good luck to all the future Terrier hopefuls! pic.twitter.com/sxIXelvTq6
— Portage Terriers (@PortageTerriers) May 9, 2025