It's maybe the hardest day of training camp for aspiring Swift Current Broncos.

They're being put through the paces in fitness testing today as the whole crew officially reports.

Manny Viveiros, Broncos Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel, says fitness is so important in the game today, especially with a 72-game schedule to play.

"It's everything - this game is all about fitness. (It's essential) to be able to survive the long months and the grinding schedule that these kids have to go through a lot of times," he said. "What they do in the summer pays off for us later on after January."

Viveiros also says that any players who don't work hard to get in shape over the summer can really be hampered moving forward.

"If you're behind now, it's very tough to catch up as far as conditioning goes. One thing we made very clear for our prospects and especially our roster players is that you come back here in top shape."

The players will hit the ice tomorrow with the intrasquad game set for Sunday at Fairview West Arena.