Tri City Icehawks Begin 2010 Tryouts

June 26, 2010       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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While engines roared on the Saginaw River, the sounds of pucks sailing and sticks clashing filled the Bay County Civic Arena as the Tri City Icehawks held their first of two weekend tryout camps. Players from as far as Dallas, Texas tore up the ice in hopes of catching new coach, Chris Slater's eye. Judging from the quality of talented players who participated, Coach Slater will have plenty of talent to choose from.

The Icehawks tryout consisted of two one and a half hour sessions on Saturday with an additional session on Sunday. Coach Slater will also be keeping a close eye on the Junior A tryouts before holding a final weekend tryout in August. Roster decisions will be made following the August tryout.

Players start going through the drills.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

#30 looks for the corner shot.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

this goalie leaves on room for a score.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

73 fires off a shot at the net
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Control is key.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Players listened to the coaches every word as they explained the next group of practice drills.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Coach tested the goalies on their push and glide skills.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

One of the big challenges according to owner Art Dore Jr. is scheduling these tryouts around the Junior A team tryouts. The Flint area has added two more Junior A teams as the quality of hockey talent and interest grows in Michigan. The Icehawks have a second tryout weekend scheduled in August.

The Icehawks are a Junior B team with players' ages ranging from 16 to 20 years old. This puts them a step away from the A level leagues. "Most colleges want their players to have at least one year of Junior hockey experience," noted Art Dore Jr. The Icehawks clearly offer that competitive level and seasoning the colleges want.

As owners Art and Colleen Dore pointed out, the Junior Hockey leagues are developmental. "Our goal is to develop kids and move them to the Junior A's or college. Over 90% of the kids (from last year's team) have moved on to either Junior A or college," noted Colleen Dore proudly. "Harold Patterson joined the Army and says he plans to continue playing hockey while in the military."

Colleen Dore's GM duties have kept her busy in the off season. With last year's coach, Jeff Worlton, moving up to the Junior A Generals in Flint, she spent tireless hours searching for the right coach. She was looking for a coach who would continue to develop the young skaters' talents while putting a competitive team on the ice. She is confident she has found her man in Chris Slater.

Nothing like a good check to get the blood flowing.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Player moves in to deke out the goalie.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Goalie squares up as the slap shot comes flying.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

One goalie stops to readjust his equipment.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Both players keep their eyes on the floating puck.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Coach Slater is no stranger to developing talent as he serves as the Michigan Director for Robby Glantz Power Skating, Inc. He has also directed several very successful hockey development programs in both the US and Europe. The last two years he has coached the Western Michigan University "Stallions" who are a Division 1 club team playing in the American Collegiate Hockey League.

Coach Slater saw the vacancy for the Icehawks and contacted the Dore's. "They seem like great people who love hockey and are into it (the team) for all the right reasons," stated Coach Slater. "They are interested in the team for the kids and not for themselves. That's what really attracted me."

The Icehawks concluded their first tryout session Sunday. The next tryout is schedule for some time in August but as Art Dore Jr. noted, he may have to change it again to insure a date that doesn't conflict with other Junior programs. Stay tune for what is sure to be a fun and entertaining season.

Coach Slater and a goalie talk about technique.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Players hustle in a 6 net simulated game drill.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Coaches watch the players perform.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

WHAT A SAVE!
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Coach Slater give the players directions on the next drill as he gives them a quick breather.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Shot is blocked.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Players take a moment for themselves.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Another Coach shows off his moves.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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