New Broncos Making Good Impressions at Camp

The first scrimmages took place at Swift Current Broncos training camp on Thursday, and some of the rookies are working to make an impression.

Swedish-born forward Andreas Schumacher, the Broncos second-round pick in this summer's Import Draft, has been turning some heads with his size and his shot. He considers himself as an all-around player, but says his speed is something that he'd want to work on as he adjusts to the North American game.

"It's all new to me," Schumacher said. "There is much more speed and more checks, but I'll get used to it."

Schumacher adds he is well aware about junior hockey in Canada, with his older brother, Michael, playing with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds.

"He's talked a lot about the juniors here in Canada and talked very well about it," he said. "That got me interested in getting here and get to play junior, because it's one of the best leagues in the world. It's a good experience to come from Sweden to get here in Canada. It's a new language and you get to meet new people and all that stuff."

With a possible opening in the Broncos' top six this season, Schumacher says he needs to show them what he's capable of through camp and exhibition.

"I have to show them that I am a big player, and can make good plays, and shoot a lot actually," he added.

Meanwhile, Landon Bow appears to be a lock for the starting goaltender job for the Broncos this season, but some young goalies are looking to make an impression for future years.

Curt Doyle was selected by the Broncos in the 9th round of the Bantam Draft this year, and is playing with Bow on Team Ruskowski during scrimmages. He calls himself an athletic goaltender with good focus throughout the game.

"My mental game is one of my stronger parts," Doyle said on Monday. "I try to get focused before every game and keep it throughout the game, and always play my best... I need to work on getting faster and always getting stronger, and getting up to where I need to be."

The Nelson, BC product can't make the team this year because of his age, but wants to leave a good impression for future seasons.

"I want them to know that I want to play at this level and I'm ready to try and make this team next year, and go from there," Doyle added.

Scrimmages will be held today and Saturday at 4:00pm and 6:00pm, and the Intrasquad Game will be on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm at the Credit Union iplex. Admission for the game is $5.00 for adults with all proceeds going to the Emergency Youth Shelter in Swift Current.

The first pre-season game is on Tuesday in Moose Jaw.