This past Friday, I made my annual short trek up to Salt Ste. Marie Michigan to watch the Soo Eagles final camp. As usual the camp did not disappoint.
A change in venue had the camp at Lake Superior State University’s Taffy Able Arena. While a change in venue may create problems for other teams, the Eagles turned a good situation for players into a great situation. The sight lines at LSSU are second to none, and it certainly didn’t hurt that the entire LSSU Hockey Coaching Staff watched the camp in its entirety.
If one word was needed to describe the Soo Eagles main camp it would be, DEEP.
Eagles camp was so deep with talent, two NAHL teams could have easily been made from the final group of players in attendance. goaltending was outstanding with some relative unknown prospects making a name for themselves.
Defense was also exceptionally skilled in both offensive ability and shut down capacity. The proof was found in the very close scores of games throughout the weekend.
While goaltending and defense kept the scores tight, forwards exhibited exceptional vision, skill, and offensive ability throughout the entire weekend.
Three players names to remember this season;
Kristofers Bindulis, the 1995 Latvian Defenseman has NHL potential if he continues to develop.
Michael Caruso, the 1995 Sault Canada Defenseman played in the NOJHL last year and is continuing to develop into a dominating player.
Bruno Birzitis, the 1995 Latvian Forward has all the tools, a little extra time in the gym could prove to be this players ticket to the NHL some day.
While I would enjoy going through the entire roster in these descriptions, there is simply not enough time to do so. This is a team that should compete at a very high level this season, and has the potential to be one of the best teams the Soo has ever seen.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
