The Central Wisconsin Saints completed their final tryout camp of 2011 with a 9:00 AM practice on Sunday, August 28. An hour of practice followed by an hour of scrimmage and another fight practice and goalie workout was the schedule for this final practice. This was also followed by a brief introduction to off-ice workouts and a parents meeting.

The team signed two more players to fill out what is left of the roster Forwards Jay Shifra and Kenton Grulkowski The Saints also announced the final no-show to camp was defenseman Jordan Mathys. The Saints will likely sign several more players before the season starts, some rumored to be coming from NAHL teams in Alaska.

“We’re going to need about five more players and we’re looking for them.” Said General Manager Joe Zuniga, “I just received a call from a former player who played two years ago and we’re hoping he comes back.”

Head Coach Mark Vichorek is happy with the core group that management and the coaching staff has put together. “We’ve got a good group of guys here.” Said Vichorek, “We’ll get a few more players, but I’m really pleased with the group of players we have. I’m looking forward to a good year.”

In camp Colin van Hauter showed good hustle defensively while also producing with good vision and patience for the Red Team. Coach Vichorek liked his play saying “Colin’s a real good hockey player, he’s a really smart player and he’s going to score some points for us this year.”

Van Hauter is looking forward to the season, “It’s a good feeling to be playing for this program. I’m excited to be here…I’m just looking forward to playing hockey. I love playing hockey and I’m looking forward to playing at that next level.”

Kyle Harnish showed some more chemistry with Max Culp. The two combined for some great hustle moments. Harnish also showed some leadership, taking aside one of the younger players who breaking team policy. The leadership of Harnish, Culp and Dan Dellenbach has been evident for the entirety of camp.

The Saints move in with their billet families this week and they will be beginning practice at the South Wood County Recreation Center in Wisconsin Rapids. They are preparing for their first game September 30 when they take on the new GLJHL addition the Kalkaska Roughnecks.