MAITLAND, FLA – In years past, day one of the Orlando Solar Bears preseason training camp saw skaters galore as the coaching staff began to search for the right Opening Night roster. As season four began Friday morning, there was plenty of room on the ice at the RDV SportsPlex’ Ice Den but those players who did skate sure did not lack for positive energy.
New Orlando assistant coach John Snowden addresses the players.
With six players and Head Coach Andrew Noreen joining the AHL Toronto Marlies on a trip to Newfoundland for preseason games, new assistant coach John Snowden had the task of guiding seven skaters and one goalie through drills as the 2015-2016 season began in warm and muggy Orlando. While the numbers may have been small, everyone was more than ready for the work to begin.
“It’s a fresh start for everybody. We’re here and we’re exited to get going,” forward Johnny McInnis said just after coming off the ice. “Our goals have been set already. We’re here to move guys up and we’re here to win a championship.”
McInnis and Scott Tanski were the two senior members among the players on the ice. Tanski, who is entering his fourth season with the Solar Bears, has plenty to prove this season after injuries limited his contributions a year ago.
“Last year was a difficult one being injured in the first exhibition game and missing more than half the season,” Tanski said. “This year I’m focusing on coming into camp prepared – which I think I am – and having a quick start and also doing whatever I can to help them win the Kelly Cup here.”
One of the new faces is in fact an old one. Orlando native Myles Harvey, who played one game for the Solar Bears in 2013-2014 before being traded to Wheeling, is back for a second go with his hometown team. After spending part of last season in Europe (Norway to be exact), Harvey is ready to make an impact.
“It’s comfortable being back home. It’s familiar and there are some familiar faces. I’m really excited to come back and make a good seasons showing,” Harvey said. “I’ve been working hard this off-season. I’m prepared and I’m ready to do my best and encourage the team and see how far we can go.”
All three players, along with their teammates, will be under the guidance of new head coach Andrew Noreen come Tuesday. For Tanski, Noreen will be his third different bench boss in four seasons but Tanski sees the change as nothing to be afraid of.
Solar Bears players getting instructions before starting a drill.
“There’s different mentalities and there’s different coaches. You’re never going to have two who are the same. Everyone’s going to have their own way of doing things,” he said. “Talking to Anthony, he’s a young guy who seems very enthusiastic. He wants to play an up tempo type of game – hard working, puck possession – which is the type of game I want to play and I kind of pride myself on with my work ethic. Hopefully I fit into the system that he likes to play and I can do whatever I can to help.”
McInnis, who joined the Solar Bears following a mid-season trade last year, is also looking forward to seeing how Noreen – who will be making his professional debut after a successful run in junior hockey – will raise the level of success in Orlando through his teaching style.
“Throughout my career I’ve tried to learn from every guy I’ve played for. You try and learn from every coach you can and try to sprinkle that into your game,” he said. “I’m excited to learn from Anthony. I’ve heard nothing but good things from guys who have played for him before and coaches who have coached against him. Everyone’s got a fresh start including Anthony and I’m sure he wants to make a splash in our league and professional hockey.”
The commitment by Toronto to building a successful affiliation system is expected to create fierce battles for roster spots in Orlando. For players like Harvey, who aspire to move up the ladder, they know that playing hard every night may just be their ticket to the AHL or higher because the Maple Leafs and Marlies will be watching.
“It makes us feel a bit more confident because if we’re one big organization then we know that we’re being watched; if we work hard it’s going to be noticed,” Harvey said. “We know that all the coaching staffs are really tight-knit so we know the communication is going to be there. We know every night is a test and every day is a test. It’s going to create a really good culture for us.”
Beyond the possibility of a call-up, the main goal is to win the Kelly Cup title. The Solar Bears would love nothing more than to improve on getting to the playoffs and losing in the first round. Last year’s loss to the rival Florida Everblades in an epic game six that went to overtime was difficult to take but it has provided inspiration for the players like McInnis and Tanski who want to take the next step.
“Obviously I want to win the Kelly Cup. I’ve been here long enough. I care about the city [of Orlando] more than a lot of players do,” Tanski said. “I’m just really looking forward to doing my best, hopefully extending my career, having the best year I can and then having a long playoff run.”
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