Canucks Report - Training camp roster reduced
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TRAINING CAMP KICKS OFF TOMORROW
Training camp begins tomorrow for the Vancouver Canucks; however, with only an estimated 12 or 13 prospects set to join the camp, the battle for a spot on the finalized 23 man roster begins.
"To get to the next level, you have to show consistency," Said eighteen-year old Kellan Tochkin. The right winger, who hails from Abbotsford BC, notched 20 goals and 54 assists in 72 games last season with the Everett Silvertips.
Assistant GM Laurence Gilman also voiced his excitement for the competitive camp to begin.
"I think there will be tremendous competition with respect to who's playing with whom, who is going to be playing on the powerplay, and who will be used in different situations."
TRAINING CAMP ROSTER REDUCED BY SEVEN PLAYERS
Today Vancouver Canucks President and General Manager Mike Gillis announced 56 players will be attending main training camp.
The following players have been released:
Matthew Ford Right WingMitch McColm Defence
Bobby Nadeau Goaltender
Joe Plekaitis Left Wing
James Reid Goaltender
Justin Taylor Centre
Michael Ward Defence
RAYCROFT AND SCHNEIDER BATTLE IT OUT
One of the biggest battles yet to unfold is the fight for backing up netminder Roberto Luongo. Twenty-nine-year old Belleview native, Andrew Raycroft will have a little friendly competition this preseason as he dukes it out with twenty-three year old Cory Schneider.
“About 70 of us are all fighting for spots to varying degrees. It's the nature of the position. It's what we've all been doing since we were 10 years old," said Raycroft. In addition, with captain Roberto Luongo signed to a long term deal, Raycroft knows if he becomes the backup ice time will be limited. However, he’s hopeful and still wants the opportunity to play for the Canucks.
"I know I'm not going to play. But with Luongo in net, I know I'm going to be on a good team that's going to win a lot of games. I want that chance.”
On the other hand, Schneider- with only a handful on NHL games under his belt- admitted to working hard this summer and being ready to make the jump to the big league. Only time will tell. Training camp begins September 12th-16th in Vancouver.
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