Bobcats to Open Revamped Main Camp Friday
BISMARCK, ND – When the Bismarck Bobcats drop the puck on their nineteenth Main Tryout Camp Friday at the VFW Sports Center, it will have a new, more focused look.
“We’re definitely doing things a little differently [in 2015],” said Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, who is presiding over his sixth Main Camp as bench boss. “We’ve condensed down to four teams and expanded to two All-Star Games.”
Indeed, the team pared down its usual battery of six teams, which comprised 120 players, to four squads for a total of 80 Bobcat hopefuls.
“Having four teams from the get-go means we start with a higher consistency of talent across the board,” explained Sedevie. “That means every game will have the feel of an All-Star Game starting Friday afternoon.”
Additionally, the hockey operations staff will make its All-Star selections after Saturday’s morning session, giving two All-Star Games: one Saturday evening and one Sunday morning before the Training Camp roster is compiled.
“Two All-Star Games gives the players a chance to give us a complete look at their abilities in a top-level environment,” added Bobcats assistant coach and scouting coordinator Garrett Roth, entering his fourth season on the bench for his former junior squad. “Guys can show us they can play consistently, and they have a chance to bounce back if they have an off-game the first time around.”
As always, Main Camp is open to the public with free admission. The full schedule follows (all games in Rink 2 at the VFW Sports Center):
- Friday, July 17
- Afternoon Session: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
- Evening Session: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
- Saturday, July 18
- Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:45pm
- All-Star Game One: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Sunday, July 19
- Final All-Star Game: 9:00am to 11:00am
The players who make the Training Camp roster following Main Camp will report back to the Capital Region at the end of August for the Cats’ famous “Hell Week.”
Season tickets are now on sale for 2015-16; if you want to beat the rush of 40,000 fans for next season, now is the time! Call 222-3300 today to reserve your seats.