Rookie goaltender Chris Whitley attended the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) camp before being released on September 14th.
“My experience at the R ed Wings camp was very rewarding,” Whitley said. “I learned a lot about what it takes to play hockey at a professional level. It was a big change coming out of university hockey and I had to adapt differently to the shooters at such a high level. My experience at that camp definitely prepared me for the start of this season in Allen.”
Five forwards including Justin Bowers, Christian Gaudet, Jarrett Lukin, Bruce Graham and Liam Huculak spent time in Cedar Park, Texas where they attended the Texas Stars (AHL) training camp . They were joined by defenseman Tyler Wooddisse and goalie Charlie Effinger.
Bowers, who also attended the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) camp, commented on the group’s experience in Cedar Park.
“The Stars camp went really well for all the Americans that went,” Bowers said. “We had a great showing and really showed them that we are ready to win hockey games in Allen. It was a good way for us to get on the Texas Stars’ radar screen. It was also great for us to get a taste of the pace that comes with playing in the A merican Hockey League .”
Other players who attended higher camps include forwards Nathan O’Nabigon who skated in New York with the Rochester Americans (AHL) and Nino Musitelli who attended camp with the Binghamton Senators (AHL).
F orward Bill Loupee attended the Worcester Sharks (AHL) camp in Massachusetts and was the final Americans player to be released from an AHL camp.
“My time with the Sharks has been a great precursor to my rookie season in the CHL,” Loupee said. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming into camp with Allen, and now that I’ve been with the Sharks I feel much better prepared…I felt like I was forced to elevate my game to new levels. It’s been a priceless experience and I’m hoping to take everything I’ve learned with me when I go to Allen to make our inaugural season as successful as possible.”
The Americans , the Dallas Stars ‘ Central Hockey League affiliate , open their training camp on October 5th and will play two pre-season games against the league champion Texas Brahmas on October 8th and 10th .
They will begin the regular season on the road with a two-game series against the Arizona Sundogs on October 16-17th . Their home opener, in the newly constructed Allen Events Center, will take place on November 7th when they host the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.
Contact the author at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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