Extensive scouting this summer by the Cochrane Generals coaching staff has paid off for their upcoming hockey camp.

Forty-six players are reporting to the main camp on Friday at the SLS Family Sports Centre that continues until Aug. 22. Two additional goalie sessions have been added, the first one on Aug. 19.

For certain, the Gens will have a new look in the crease. Goalie Jordan Lott is heading to the Sicamous Eagles of the KIJHL, and the Gens are now looking to recruit a minimum of two new goalies.

"We've got a lot of interest from goaltenders, a lot of interest from forwards, and we're OK on the back end," says Kurtis Jones, head coach and general manager.

Jones, assistant coach Erik Krigel, and goalie coach Matt Greenham attended several camps through the course of the summer.

The team has also added Spencer Barlow, who will be remotely serving as video coach/social media manager. He is an HJHL alumnus and is currently playing for Maryville University in St. Louis, MO.

Also returning is assistant general manager Paddy Maclure and athletic therapist Charne Goosen.

What will make player selection particularly difficult is the number of returning 21-year-olds. The Gens have seven returning and the league only allows them to keep four. Jones says he had no luck in trying to get the league to increase the number.

"It puts the coaches in a tough spot in picking 21s. If I could have every single one of those 21s again, I would, because they're all great kids, but we have to stick with what the league says. My hands are tied."

Jones welcomes fans to attend the camp.

The Gens open their season with four exhibition games against the Okotoks Bisons. The first will be held at the Cochrane Arena on Aug. 28.

They open their regular season at home on Sept. 11 against the newly-formed Kainai Junior Braves

This week. the Western Hockey League has announced all team players and staff will be required to be vaccinated for the coming season.

As of yet, neither Hockey Alberta nor the HJHL have made that same call.

Jones says the Gens coaching staff is fully immunized and while they're recommending players do the same, it's not mandatory.

"Our coaching staff is fully vaccinated, and I think a lot of the returning players are, but I didn't really ask. I don't think it's was my job to ask that, and it's personal to some people. If it does come out that the Heritage Junior B league says you have to get vaccinated, then yes, but until that happens, I'm just going to go with it."

He suspects there will be a decision coming from Hockey Alberta on the issue.