WINNIPEG, Manitoba – NHL training camps are a great time of the year for players, owners, fans, and scouts and of course hockey writers. But one thing not seen from the outside looking in is the heartache the young kids go through.
The Winnipeg Jets had the hard job of clearing out some room on the roster by sending eight Jets hopefuls back to their junior teams, including some of this year’s selections from the Minnesota draft.
Some of the hopefuls who were cut from the team included up and coming prospects who will be seen one day in the Jets’ colours or some NHL squads gear.
2011 Selections
1. Adam Lowry who was selected in third round 67th overall will be returned to the Swift Current Broncos for more conditioning.
2. Zach Yuen selected in Minnesota in the 4th, round 119th, overall will be returned to the Tri City Americans to help grow his game
3. Austen Brassard who was another Minnesota selection picked in the 5th round, 149th overall, will be returned to the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League.
Former Atlanta Selections
1. Kendal McFaull who was a 2010 selection will be returned to the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League.
2. Sebastian Owuya also a 2010 selection by the Atlanta Thrashers will be returned to the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League
3. Ivan Telegin will be returned to the Barrie Colts for further development also from 2010 class.
4. Mike Kirkpatrick who was a free agent signing by the Jets will be assigned to the St John’s Ice Caps of the American Hockey League
5. Levko Koper who has completed his junior hockey eligibility was cut by the team and will know go to the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton
Although it is tough on the players to be released from an NHL training camp, several years in junior hockey is the best choice for the players involved. It helps elevate their game and helps them gain the knowledge to deal with the mental side of the NHL.
Most teams would love to keep every player in camp but it is impossible so these cuts are necessary.
The Winnipeg Jets will next see action on Saturday night in Nashville before splitting up their squads again to send one to Carolina and one to Newfoundland to play in the Kraft HockeyVille Celebration 2011 on Monday night.
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