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The prospects listening intently to the MJHL Hotstove panel on Saturday morning. (Photo courtesy: MJHL)

Pistons Prospects Shine at MJHL Development Camp

The MJHL recently held its second Prospects Development Camp from July 26-29 at the Seven Oaks Arena Complex in Winnipeg.

Around 70 of the 11 MJHL teams’ prospects attended the four day camp. This included five Pistons prospects born in either 2001 and 2002; F Max Neill (’01),  F Landon Roberts (’02), D Lucas Fry (’02), F Logan Danis (’02), and D Carter Bateman (’02).

The prospects were split into four teams during the camp. There were two main aspects; one was the on-ice sessions where guess coaches would work with the players to continue developing their skills, as well as scrimmage against the other teams.

The other was the off-ice portion, which included sessions on strategy, mental health and preparation, and presentations by the MJHL and by College Hockey Inc. on how and what to expect as you move into junior A hockey, college hockey, U Sports, the WHL, and more.

Pistons Head Coach and GM Paul Dyck was in attendance to watch the prospects on the weekend, and was very impressed with all of his draftees. Current Pistons forward Will Koop was one of the four team leaders during the camp, as he was a part of Team Gray. “I thought the experience was great to interact with the younger guys and see the talent that will be coming into the league over the next couple of years,” he commented.

The big event on Saturday was a panel hosted by Dave Anthony, the voice of the Pistons on Mix 96 and Steinbachonline.com. The panel included defenceman Zach Whitecloud, former MJHLer and current member of the Vegas Golden Knights, former Portage Terrier captain Chase Brakel, and Bemidji State assistant coach Eddie Olzyck. They spoke on their current hockey paths, and gave some advice to the prospects as well.

For Koop, this was his second go-around as leader of a group, and he has noticed a difference from last year’s camp to this year’s. “I think my leadership has improved, just by interacting with the players and giving them some advice where I can.” he said.