Lions host Spring Selection Camp to prepare for 2018-2019 season
The Lions held their 10th RSEQ Division1 spring camp May 4th and 5th. 72 eager candidates battled fiercely at Val-Bélair arena in hopes of obtaining a spot on the Lions 2018-2019 roster. A talented group of student-athletes from Midget AAA, Midget Espoir, Juvenile Division 1 and LHPS hockey programs recruited from across the province joined 15 returning veterans to showcase their skills and fitness to Lions coaching staff.
The camp consisted of two scrimmages and one off-ice fitness testing evaluation. Lions Strength Coach, Christian Tremblay compiled player results and returned individual performance reports to each player while explaining the team summer conditioning program. On the ice, the compete level was one of the best offered by players challenging for jobs during spring training. Coaches were more than satisfied in their search for the team-trademark essentials including skill, speed, compete and discipline.
The ingredients required to turn the program around and assemble a team that will improve on last seasons’ sub-par performance became obvious. Head Scout, Bruno Simard was pleased with the turn out of this exceptional recruiting class during camp. Mike Labadie, Associate Coach and General Manager sent a clear message to the prospects concerning the type of players the program was looking for, while stressing the importance of being quality student- athletes in every phase of their actions at the college and on the ice.
Head Coach, Guy Chouinard mentioned the need to adjust the recipe when the results fall short of the standards and expectations that characterize the program’s winning tradition. The camp was everyone's opportunity to knock on the door and to make the coaching staffs’ decisions difficult. The answers provided by the players during the weekend games were encouraging and speak strongly about the commitment level prospects are making to become part of next years’ hockey program.
The season outlook is promising as 32 players have been selected from the 72 participants to attend the training camp in early August. The final team roster will be composed of 24 players including 2 goal tenders, 8 defensemen and 14 forwards as class begin August 16th.
- Mike Labadie -
