A couple of guys wearing Number 16 were all over the scoresheet on Day 1 of Saskatoon Blades’ training camp at SaskTel Centre.
Rookie prospect Kyle Crnkovic scored five of 10 goals in two scrimmage games for Team Todd McLellan. The 2017 first round Bantam Draft pick added an assist as well. Meanwhile, fourth year veteran right winger Josh Paterson scored four times in one game for Team Wendel Clark. The 19-year-old also chipped in with a helper.
A total of 71 players suited up, split into four teams…all named after former Bridge City Bunch greats. Team Braden Holtby won both their scrimmage games Sunday with Team Todd McLellan losing twice while Teams Wendel Clark and Glen Gulutzan split their two outings.
Day 1 of the Saskatoon Blades’ 2018 training camp was also Day 1 as a head coach for Mitch Love.
“It’s still a bit of a feeling out process for myself and (associate coach) Ryan Marsh here, being new on staff and with the organization,” said the 34-year-old who took over as head coach from Dean Brockman on May 30. “I think there’s some more to give…first day, a lot of nerves out there with the new staff. We’ll definitely expect some better things and a little more…especially out of our veteran players…heading into (Monday).”
Scrimmage action resumes at 9 and 10:45 Monday morning. That ends the round-robin with the third place game at 2 p.m. and the third annual Kirkness Cup contest at 4. After that, about half of the 71 players in camp will be sent home to their minor teams.