Philadelphia Wings training camp has officially started. Friday night was the first of four sessions. This session was mainly to see what type of cardio shape the players are in. Joel White, Brodie Merrill, Kyle Sweeney and Jordan Hall placed themselves at the top of the list after the side board to side board sprints. (up and back 6 times in under a minute). All finished with an average of 56 seconds. There was also a blue line to blue line sprint that the above excelled in, but defensemen John Ranagan and Michael Poppleton excelled on the defense, while James Delaney, Ethan Farrell impressed on the offense.
The last part of Friday nights session was focused on the passing and shooting drills (non-contact). James Delaney showed some fancy stick work placing the ball into the net basically every time he touched it. Veteran Tracy Kelusky amazed the fans in attendance with some of his patented behind the back passes and shots.
I spoke with Kelusky after practice and he said he loved his time in Calgary, but is really happy to be here in Philadelphia and can’t wait to play in front of the most passionate fans in the game.
Saturday morning’s session started as most do, stretching, some running, etc. Once that was completed the contact began. The defenders made there presence known on the floor. Eric Hoffman laid some heavy lumber this morning making a huge stand that he wants to stay. Second year defender Mike Manley impressed as well. Brian Megill, Mike Poppleton and John Ranagan are making it very hard for the coaches.
For the offense, A.J.Mason (12 overall selection) showed why he belongs here by making some spectacular shoestring catches, fancy stick work and converting them into goals. Not to mention the blistering shot he has. James Delaney (18th overall) also impressed the coaches during this session. Local product Bill McGlone who came back after missing last season continues to impress the coaches. Newly acquired goalie Evan Kirk not only impressed the coaches but the fans in attendance as well. Kirk will share goaltending duties with Brandon Miller. Chris Collins and Don Alton are in a battle for the third spot on the goaltenders.
Another session is slated for tonight from 6-8pm and a final one Sunday morning from 8-10 am.
Below is a camp roster list. Teams are allowed 40. Wings come into camp with 37.
Noteable players not on the camp roster below as they are part of the 2014 Team USA tryouts for the WOLC in July. Kevin Buchanan, Paul Rabil, Kyle Hartzell, Max Seibald, Jeff Reynolds, Ned Crotty, Tucker Durkin, Rob Pannell.
| 2014 USA | |||
| # | Defense-White Jersey | Camp | tryout roster |
| 1 | Rob Campbell | ||
| 2 | C.J.Costabile | XX | |
| 4 | Pat Heim | XX | XX |
| 5 | Eric Hoffman | XX | |
| 6 | Steve Holmes | XX | |
| 7 | Ryan Hotaling | XX | |
| 8 | Mike Manley | XX | XX |
| 9 | Brett Manney | ||
| 10 | Brodie Merrill | XX | |
| 11 | Jordan Sealock | ||
| 12 | Kyle Sweeney | XX | XX |
| 13 | Joel White | XX | |
| 14 | Chad Weidmaier | XX | XX |
| 15 | Dan Decklebaum | XX | |
| 16 | Michael Diehl | XX | |
| 17 | Brian Megill | XX | |
| 18 | Michael Popppleton | XX | XX |
| 19 | John Ranagan | XX | XX |
| # | Goalies-Black Jersey | ||
| 1 | Evan Kirk | XX | |
| 2 | Don Alton | XX | |
| # | Offense–Red Jerseys | ||
| 1 | Kevin Crowley | ||
| 2 | James Delaney | XX | |
| 3 | Ethan Farrell | XX | |
| 4 | Brendan Mundorf | XX | |
| 5 | Jordan Hall | XX | |
| 6 | A.J.Mason | XX | |
| 7 | Mike McLellan | XX | |
| 8 | Luke Wiles | ||
| 9 | Kevin Ross | XX | |
| 10 | Kyle Buchanan | XX | |
| 11 | Tracy Kelusky | XX | |
| 12 | Bill McGlone | XX | |
| 13 | Pat Saunders | XX | |
| 14 | Kyle Smith | XX | |
| 15 | Garrett Thul | XX | XX |
| # | Goalies-Red Jersey | ||
| 1 | Brandon Miller | ||
| 2 | Chris Collins | XX |
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