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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

EXPRESS TRAINING CAMP DAY 3

The intensity of Coquitlam Express training camp got raised another level on Wednesday with the returning veterans hitting the ice for the first time.

The group has been reduced following the first set of cuts after two days of on ice sessions veteran free.

It was pretty clear to see the level of competition go up another level after watching one of the intra-squad games on Wednesday morning. The vets that were skating in the one game I was able to catch were split equally.

One of the more notable aspects that stood out was the increase in physical play. There were a good number of big hits thrown throughout the game. Most of them in the neutral zone or at the attacking blue line where a defenseman or forward was able to read the play and get themselves into a position to deliver a big hit. You couldn't be skating around the ice with your head down and with the puck on your stick for too long without risk of turning it over or being knocked on your backside.

Will Cook and Mitchell Fyffe each were able to pot a pair of goals. Cook who is entering his second BCHL season scored his two goals in quick succession. And his first may have been one of the more prettier goals seen so far. He was able to make a quick toe drag move into the middle of the ice before quickly throwing it top shelf. Then he used his strength to power in from the right wing cut across the crease then slide the puck home.

On Fyffe's first goal of the game the puck came into the slot and as he read the play developing he was able to bear down and lean into a hard shot and snap it home. Fyffe is entering his third BCHL season.

Camp continues the rest of this week at the Poirier Rec. Centre before the first exhibition game Saturday night in Langley.

Following the game I had a chance to speak with Will Cook.

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