
Ricky Barker
Stampeders host successful Spring ID Camp
The Swan Valley Stampeders held their Spring ID Camp this past weekend (April 4-6) with 40 players from all over Western Canada competing and showing their skills in front of the Stampeder coaching and scouting staff.
“The camp as a whole was very successful,” said Stampeders Head Coach Josh Tripp. “The level and pace of all of the games was super high and I was pleased with what I saw.”
The Stampeders welcomed six goaltenders, eight defenceman, and 24 forwards to the weekend for two practices, two off-ice workouts, a player seminar meeting held at the Elks Hall, and four games to test their mettle and see who could adjust the best to the junior level.
“There was a good number of kids that stood out,” said Tripp. “We had great conversations with every player that attended and I am hoping to get a good number of guys back in the fall for main camp.
We had nine players from Swan participate and they did very well. I love seeing the local products come out and showcase themselves.”
The 40 players were split up into two teams, where team Grey won three out of the four games throughout the weekend. The Stampeders had some help from former Stampeder defenceman and captain Ashton Fishley to spread some insight and keep a keen eye on the talent during the weekend.
“My biggest takeaway was how hard every guy played in every game,” said Tripp.
“Spring camps can be a bit generic with the way they are run. We tried to keep our camp smaller so we could make a more personal connection with the players and their parents. That also ensured the high level of play in each game which we saw all weekend.”
The pace of play during was most impressive throughout the weekend. All four games were competitive and had a very good pace of play. Compared to last season’s booming numbers, this year’s camp was felt to be more organized and structured.
“Going into next season I am super excited for the direction the team is heading in,” said Tripp. “We return an unbelievable group of players from last season and we saw a very high level of players in the spring camp. We are going to be competitive from day one and I think all the fans have a lot to look forward to.”
Now that spring camp is in the rearview mirror, the Stampeders officially begin their off-season mode, where they’ll be searching for new, young, and upcoming talent to join their already talented roster for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
Prepping for the Future
The Swan Valley Stampeders held their Spring ID Camp this past weekend (April 4-6). 40 players from all over Western Canada came to compete and show their skills in front of Stampeders coaches and scouts...
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