Rampage finish three weeks of try-outs, get set for season

By Shaun Thomas - The Northern View
Published: September 01, 2009 11:00 PM

Last Thursday the Rupert Rampage finished up the inaugural six on-ice practices and try-outs, spread over two days per week for three weeks, and the result has left assistant coach Jerry Kurka with an optimistic view of the coming year.

“We’re going to be better, there’s no two ways about it. We’re going to pack this place with exciting action again and we’re looking forward to big things this year,” he said following the last practice, which was still significantly ahead of the first time the players hit the ice last year.

“It was good, there was lots of intensity and [Summer Skills Camp instructor] Lou Lemire put them through the paces, kept them going…We’re all excited about getting on the ice and getting this team going again.”

With the first game of the season scheduled to take place at the arena against the Hazelton Wolverines on October 3 and 4, Kurka said there is still some work to do to get the team ready.

“Most of our players are returning, but there are some that are going to be new though. We’ve got a pretty good idea so far. Next week we’ll start the real try-outs and start making the roster,” he said.

“We’ll start a little bit of strategy and continue with conditioning, moving the puck and that. Hopefully we’ll have an exhibition lined up for the end of the month.”

As for the high level player that has spurred on discussion and debate on the CIHL chat forum, Kurka said he too is looking ready to hit the ice.

“His background is pretty good, very impressive, and we’re looking forward to having him out on the ice. He hasn’t been out on the ice yet because he’s training for an Ironman triathlon. He’s probably already a few steps ahead of these guys.”