New Season Draws Near as Bobcats Open Main Camp
BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats will take a big step toward the 2013-14 season this upcoming weekend as they host their 2013 Main Tryout Camp Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the VFW Sports Center. Main Camp will be open to the public, free of charge.
80 players from across the globe will converge on Bismarck/Mandan for the three-day camp, which will feature four teams that include returning Bobcat veterans, 2013 draft picks & tenders and select players that have been invited from the team’s open camps in May.
“We’ve got a really strong group of guys coming in for our camp this year,” remarked Bobcats assistant coach Garrett Roth, who heads up the Cats’ scouting efforts. “We expect to have some difficult decisions as the weekend goes on.”
Camp opens Friday with games at 4:30 and 6:45 PM; Saturday will see sessions starting at 10:00 AM and 12:15, 6:00 and 8:15 PM.
Following Saturday’s 8:15 game, the rosters will be cut down into two teams of two; the remaining squads will play each other in Sunday’s All-Star Game, scheduled for 9:00 AM.
Once the All-Star Game is completed, the coaches will compile their 30-man training camp roster. Players who are invited to training camp will report back to Bismarck on August 25.
Bismarck/Mandan will be well represented throughout the weekend, as well, with many local products participating in the camp: veterans Aaron Nelson, Dan Kovar and Seth Blair will be there; local hopefuls include Anthony German, Alec Rauhauser, Gavin Mindt, Jared Spooner, Brett Malkmus, Tommy Malkmus, Bryce Eckman and Quinn Irey.
Other North Dakota natives on the ice will include third year Bobcat returner Ryan Callahan (Grafton), 2013 draft pick Tucker Windels (Fargo).
Fans are welcome to watch any Main Camp session, free of charge. All seven games will be played in Rink 2, located on the north side of the VFW Sports Center. Bobcat concessions will be available in Rink 2 for every game, so fans can enjoy a snack or a cold beverage of choice.
“We love the fan support we get at Main Camp,” noted Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, who is entering his fourth season behind the bench for the Cats. “Prospective players are always impressed by our fans’ passion. It makes a great first impression on our new guys.”
Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are now on sale—and going fast! Fans can sign up by visiting the Bobcat Hockey office or by texting their name and the word “TICKETS” to 390-7422 (standard text messaging rates apply).