The Swift Current Broncos will face maybe the toughest day of training camp as they go through fitness testing on Wednesday.
As camp gets started a couple of local players are hoping to make another step forward with the team this year.
Swift Current's Zac Mackay has been working with local trainer Andy Schneider this summer with a particular focus.
Zac Mackay Interview"We've mostly been focusing on leg work," Mackay said. "Gettig stronger in legs and quick feet. Stuff like that to get some more speed up. The game is so fast these days you've got to have speed."
Gull Lake's Justin Spagrud also spent a lot of time in the gym over the summer.
"Really working hard," he said. "I want this to be a better season for the team and for me personally. I think it's going to be a really good season and just working that much harder to make it that much better this season."
After starting his rookie season briefly in a top six role, Spagrud found himself in and out of the lineup. He's hoping to have learned from the experience and improved enough to ensure a regular spot on the ice.
Justin Spagrud Interview"Skating you always want to improve that," he said. "Just the little things in the game. The wall play, the battling along the boards and that kind of stuff. That's what I've really been working on this summer."
When I'm in the lineup this season I won't take it for granted and (I'll) try to keep that spot."
Spagrud scored 3 goals and 2 assists in 39 games with the Bronco last season. He had 36 points in 30 Midget AAA games the previous year.
Mackay put up 4 goals and 3 assists in 71 games during his WHL rookie season. He was also a point per game player in Midget AAA and hopes to bring more scoring to the table this season.
"Try and help out more offensively this year," Mackay said. "Hopefully more of a threat... doing whatever it takes, killing penalties like I did last year and really helping out the team however they need."
Mackay and Spagrud are joined by a few other local prospects trying to make the jump the WHL.
Stewart Valley's Jordan Wittman enters his 17-year-old season trying to make the Broncos for the first time after being a 4th round draft pick by the club in 2011. He had 37 points in 36 games for the Midget AAA Home Hardware Legionnaires last season.
His Legionnaires teammate, Swift Current native Reid Fritzke is also trying to make the jump to the WHL. The bruising defenceman had 17 points in 44 games last season.
Both Mackay and Fritzke helped lead the Swift Current Midget Indians to the AA Western Canadian Baseball final over the weekend.
Fitness testing for the Broncos starts at 5pm Wednesday with on-ice sessions starting on Thursday.
Wed, Apr 24, 9:30 AM
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