By Dave Mathieson
The Record
SPRINGHILL - On April 25 the Cumberland County Blues were on the ice celebrating winning the Don Johnson Cup Atlantic Junior B championship in St. Margaret's Bay.
After a four-month break Blues hopefuls will be back on the ice Friday at 7 p.m. for the beginning of training camp.
Blues general manager Ron Reynolds, who will be handling the reigns as coach at least the beginning of the season, said he's expecting a very competitive training camp.
"Players will be fighting for positions," he said. "So they're going to have to show that they want to be here."
The Blues have five over-agers returning to the team but are allowed to carry only four.
"They're all quality players, so that will be a tough choice that's for sure," Reynolds said.
Late season acquisitions Zach Carson and Jeff Deruelle are expected to return and other returning players include: Seth Crowe, Jordie Shaw, brothers Dave and Geoff Burke, Cole Wood, Justin Landry, Matt Noiles, Garrett MacArthur, Brendan Grimes and possibley Alex McKinnon.
Returning goaltenders at training camp will be Andrew Court and Tyler Ferdinand.
Reynolds expects at least 30 players at training camp, including Deruelle's brother and several players from Halifax.
"We have a lot of interest from a lot of players and there's probably going to be some surprises as far as players who can step up," Reynolds said.
Reynolds realizes there are a lot of high expectations for the coming season.
"So long as I'm involved I want to win," Reynolds said. "It's not about high expectations, it's about getting the players to realize that in order to play on this team you have to be committed to winning.
"We know it's not possible to win every year but we want to have a positive attitude," he added. "We were at the bottom of the barrel for a few years and now we want to stay at the top.
"Our goal is to win again."
Fans can get a chance to see that winning attitude when the Blues take to the ice against St. Margaret's Bay Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Richard Calder Arena.
"It should be and exciting game" Reynolds said. "We're playing St. Margaret's Bay, who were in the final with us last year, and I expect a very hard hitting game because players will be fighting for position."
The Blues will also be playing inter-squad game Saturday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Richard Calder Arena.
