Returning Petes will have a clean slate, new coach says
Five of six overage players will be returning when Petes training camp opens Monday
It’s often said at the start of training camp that players start with a clean slate.
It’s not often the case but as a new Peterborough Petes head coach Rob Wilson says it’s what he’s told players.
The Petes will begin training camp on Monday with fitness testing at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. They’ll hit the ice for scrimmages on Tuesday and conclude camp with the annual Maroon and White game Wednesday night at the Memorial Centre.
All eligible returning players are expected in camp along with five of six overage candidates in Bobby Dow, Chris Paquette, Adam Timleck, Matt Timms and Austin Osmanski. Dylan Wells is expected to turn pro in the Edmonton Oilers system and will not be at camp.
Since being hired in May, Wilson has watched extensive video of the team, talked with each returning player and been briefed by his returning assistant coaches. So, he has an idea of what the players are capable of but he wants to see it for himself.
“For me, all these guys have clean slates,” Wilson said. “Everyone in the organization has a clean slate. It’s a fresh start. They should all be as excited as I am because you don’t often get that fresh start.
“They have an opportunity to make a first impression and everyone talks about how important that is. The feedback I’m getting from them is they’re superexcited to get started. Guys will be given a real fair shake and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
The team can only keep three of its five eligible overage players.
“It’s a tough situation for those guys. They, like anybody else, have to come in and impress and when you have a couple of extra I guess the pressure is even higher on them” he said. “I’m not going to tell you I don’t have some thoughts but I really want to try to be open-minded and give everyone a fair shake.”
Wilson has immersed himself for more than three months in learning about his team but there is nothing quite like getting on the ice and seeing it first-hand.
“I don’t want to say I wish today was Monday but I’m ready to go,” Wilson said.
“It will be great to get started. We all know the season is long but I need this time. The preparation time is key for me.
“I want to sink my teeth into this. Rome wasn’t built overnight as everyone says but I’m not the most patient with myself. I know I have to be patient with the players, that’s just part of coaching, but I’m looking forward to things taking shape.”
Once camp is complete there will be two days of practice before they start the pre-season schedule with a game in Guelph on Sept. 1 and a home game at 2 p.m. Sept. 2 against Oshawa. Then it’s almost two weeks before another pre-season game as the league shuts down while players attend NHL rookie camps and tourneys.
“I’m looking forward to getting into the routine of starting to teach and to prepare things,” Wilson said. “My favourite part of coaching is the teaching part and working with the individuals to see them come together. That’s where you really get your reward.”