The Central Wisconsin Saints wrapped up day one of their August tryout camp with a two-hour practice. Once again there were drills and scrimmages and the players got a good workout. Head Coach Mark Vichorek is happy with the team that is developing on the ice. “This is a very unique group of kids and it’s going to be a lot of fun to coach them.” Said Vichorek, “I think they are going to be very, very good.”

The ice surface wasn’t as good in the second session as it was during the first. This made it tougher for the players to skate and pass. It also caused the puck to flip on edge or over sticks when players were taking shots. “The second session, in the afternoon, wasn’t quite as good because [of] the ice. A lot of it has to do with the weather outside softening the ice a little so you couldn’t make quite those plays.”

This practice placed more emphasis on the physical aspects of the game. There were drills that allowed the players to really start to make contact. There were also some puck battle, board battle and net presence drills for the players. At the end of practice Coach Vichorek and his son, Taylor, held a clinic for players who wanted to learn how to defend themselves in a fight.

The Saints also had some players who stood out in the second practice of the day. Chase Engdahl followed his good first practice up with a very strong second practice. Eric Keljo also performed well. Keljo thinks that the younger players are starting to gel. “In the scrimmages it seems like we all have great chemistry,” he said, “The new kids are all getting to know each other in the locker room, we seem [to get along] pretty well.”

Adding to the Saints’ stable of young signees is forward Justin Ritchie who was signed after the evening practice.

Ryan Erickson, a non-roster player from Bemidji High School, performed very well during both practices. Erickson has not decided on whether to play junior hockey, but the two sides are in talks to see if he will sign. The big Minnesota native can play both defense and forward and would help a weakened defense corps.

The defense is left in a weakened state due to the absence of both Mike Tiberi, who decided not to play junior hockey this season. Jevert Giese also was a no-show to tryouts although the Saints’ front office is still hopeful that he may join the team at the beginning of the season.

Returning Forwards Kyle Harnish and Max Culp formed a potent pairing on 2-on-2 drills. Their success could prove to be a preview for the coming season. Keljo thinks that having the veterans will help the team. He said, “The veterans are showing us what junior hockey is about, and we’re picking it up.”

Coach Vichorek agreed saying, “I think the veterans have done a great job of taking the youngsters under their wing.”

Coach Mark Vichorek and General Manager Joe Zuniga decided to cancel the night practice on Saturday. Zuniga said, “I think we have a pretty good feel for the players and it will be better for them to go home a relax for a bit. The Saints will conclude their August training camp with a 9:00 AM practice on Sunday.