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FuzzSHL · 12-22-2018, 07:46 PM

Ready to grade - 1583 words - 2x media bonus week

Training camp for SMJHL teams opened up yesterday and teams have hit the ice head on in an attempt to snag the ever elusive Four Star Cup. Defending champions St Louis is returning a decent number of players from last seasons championship roster, and their rookie draft class is certainly nothing to scoff at, with newcomers Tyler Tougard and Michael Fox looking to add strong depth to an already strong Scarecrows team.

(@Durden )Tyler Tougard after training camp

We reached out to Tougard, the Scarecrows 1st round pick in the most recent SMJHL Entry Draft, regarding training camp and his experience with the Scarecrows organization since getting drafted, however he wasn't so willing to answer questions, opting to instead answer "I'm just here so I won't get fined." It seems his priorities are on the ice and in the weight room, as they should be for someone with lofty expectations on his shoulders. We are hoping that Tougard ends up opening up more about his experience and expectations, a generational talent such as himself is sure to have a lot of media presence around him.

(@FuzzSHL ) Michael Fox interviews with SMJHL reporters after the first week of training camp

One player that wasn't as private in regards to questions was 3rd round pick Michael Fox. Fox wasn't necessarily a player that was scouted or regarded as highly as other players such as Tougard, but St Louis was quick to put his name in when Fox was available at 27th overall. "I'm honestly just happy to be here. The locker room has been very inviting so far and the coaching staff has been quick to help us with our weaknesses and with other stuff we've got to work on before the season starts." Fox said regarding his experience with St Louis. "I wanted to prove that I belonged here in the showcase and apparently St Louis saw something in me that other organizations didn't, and I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've been given." Fox's humble demeanor has resonated greatly with players around him, especially the team's captain, SLip McScruff.

(@Scrufdaddy ) Slip McScruff talks about the team's new rookies, as well as the

locker room attitude surrounding training camp

"Keep an eye on this guy, he’s gonna be huge." McScruff said in regards to Fox. When asked about training camp, McScruff gave a longer response, but in true Scruff fashion, was teetering on the edge of obvious. "Everyone is out here giving a full 100% and then some. Especially the rookies trying to impress the coaches, they’re giving an extra 10%. I think that’s like uh... 110% at this point. We’ve got a hell of a season ahead of us.” Regardless, Scruff seemed impressed with the work ethic of the team so far.

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(@SlashACM ) Aleister Cain interviews after training camp

"Well we've been working pretty hard with the new guys in drills, a lot of 'em haven't played this level of hockey yet so it'll be good to help them learns the ins and outs of the smjhl." said Aleister Cain, the Scarecrow's returning netminder. "I've been spending most of my time with Billy, he's got a lot of potential. I'm not sure how long I have left until Edmonton calls me up so I gotta make sure he's ready to handle all of Scruff's defensive lapses and all of the 2 on 1s Kiko gives up." joked Cain, dodging a towel tossed by the captain from across the locker room. "But seriously, all of the new guys are working really hard and have impressed both the coaching staff and the current players. I keep telling Gordie that 87th overall is a very prestigious spot for the Crows and that he's destined for greatness, not sure he gets it yet. Anyways thats all the time I have, back to being a sieve"

We were able to also get a short interview with the St Louis General Manager regarding his team heading into this season.

Tripp Forslund: Thank's for taking the time JK. How does the team look in camp so far, do they seem to have the foot on the gas still following the Cup win?

@JKortesi81: You can always tell the difference in training camp when you’re the team that’s defending the Cup as opposed to trying to win it. It’s like there’s something different in the air. Our players are skating with a purpose that says ‘we’re ready to fight the league’ instead of ‘we’re here to bring the cup home’.

TF: Your team lost a bit of talent to the SHL. How do you think you guys did in the offseason to make up for that loss? As a follow up to that, who do you think is stepping up that is also returning from last year to help bring the Cup back to St Louis?

JK: It’s no secret that we lost a LOT of talent. Pedersen, Taylor, Williams, Maple, Winter, and Winters are all studs that contributed immensely to the Cup run last year. They’re all gone. Steven Moyer (@CanadianDuck) may or may not be gone as well. As a result, the veterans are stepping up. I’ve seen a greater fire than ever from Bernard Freeman (@Allen). He was dynamite in the playoffs, and I think this season he’s going to challenge for the points title. Nic Fleming (@Nereus) and Ty Hoover (@Hoovuh) have really improved over the summer, and our new Captain McScruff is foaming at the mouth to start shutting down other teams’ top lines.

TF: How are the rookies looking so far in camp, are there any that are standing out so far? What is their mindset about defending the Cup even though they weren't a part of the title run last year?

JK: The work ethic is infectious here. We had an insane draft class that saw us bring on 8 new players. All of them have signed right up and bought into the notion that they’re here to defend the cup, even if they didn’t earn it last season. I see amazing things in store for Gordie Boomhover (@gordieboom)and Michael Fox. Jeff Bazinet (@JBaz) was known as a goon/enforcer and slipped way too far in the draft. He’s committed himself to changing his ways and being a more complete player. He’s going to be the steal of this draft. Billy Sorokin (@oddly_colored_beef) finally got his visa issues settled and got to camp today, but he’s looked good so far. Magnicotta (@Rancidbudgie) looks so comfortable in the defense. Zukal (@SanjuNana) and Fork Spoon (@DJ_THE_PROFESSOR) are already showing chemistry in the bottom 6. Leskinen (@Secord) has dynamite offensive talent. These rookies are all pushing each other to be the best they can be and it’s awesome. We nailed this draft, and training camp is just confirming it.

TF: Thank you for your time and good luck defending the Cup this season.

JK: Thanks Tripp.

Aleksi Kettu

CanadianDuck · 12-22-2018, 08:32 PM

Nereus · 12-24-2018, 01:57 PM

Wooooooooooooo go Crows!

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