Photo Credit: Ice Dogs/Facebook
There’s a sense of urgency as the Niagara IceDogs open Training Camp Tuesday.
The urgency can be summed up in one word, and it’s something every Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team strives for – ‘playoffs.’
Over 50 players reported to Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines for fitness training followed by on-ice sessions.
A total of 15 returning players make up Team White and Team Black (as of Tuesday), including Kevin He who was drafted to the NHL Winnipeg Jets, and projected 2026 first round pick Ryan Roobroeck up front, Welland native Callum Cheynowski on defense and both Owen Flores and Charlie Robertson between the pipes.
Both captain Gavin Bryant and blueliner Andrew Wycisk will start training camp, and most likely the regular season, on the injured list.
The rest of players are 2024 or prior draft-picks, and players acquired in off-season trades.
Braidy Wassilyn and Max Crete are the top two draft picks from this years OHL Draft, while a number of local products will try and crack the roster including Thorold’s Reece Matier, a ninth round draft pick this year, and free-agent Niagara Falls native Rylan Moukperian.
The following is the full list of players invited to 2024 Niagara IceDogs Training Camp:
“Everyone has a chance to get here, and leave an impression,” said IceDogs Head Coach Ben Boudreau.
“It can be anybody. It doesn’t matter what round you’re drafted in, anyone can leave an impression in their first crack at training camp.
Hopefully some players will put their best foot forward, and make some tough decisions on the management.”
Boudreau along with newly named Assistant Coach, and former Stanley Cup Champion Dan Paille of Welland will run camp.
The first round of cuts are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, as training camp will continue until Niagara visits Peterborough in Port Hope on Sunday.
The following is the IceDogs on-ice Training Camp schedule:
Tuesday, August 27th:
3pm-4pm: Team White Practice
4pm-5pm: Team Black Practice
5:30pm-6:30pm: Team White vs Team Black
Wednesday, August 28th:
9am-11 am: Team White vs Team Black
3pm-4pm: Team White vs Team Black
Doors will open five minutes before the start time of each on-ice session. All fans who attend are asked to enter through the Meridian Centre Box Office doors.
Niagara’s first home preseason game is Sunday September 8th vs. Brantford in a 2pm puck drop from Meridian Centre.
“The playoffs are the mandate from the ownership. It’s been six years since the IceDogs have made the playoffs, and you’ve got to get that exciting feeling back into the city,” Boudreau said.
For more information visit niagaraicedogs.net
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
