A summer camp isn't new to junior hockey but it is a new approach for the Cochrane Generals to prepare for their 2018-19 campaign.

Head Coach Travis McMillan says overall he's pleased with how the camp provided the Gens an early start in securing new blood for the season ahead. Players were registering right up to 9 p.m. Friday.

"I like how we filled out the camp," says McMillan. "Compared to last year's main camp we almost doubled our numbers for the summer development camp so I was pretty happy with that."

"I just wanted to identify the kids right away and try to get a head start on the rest of the league."

Gens Head Coach Travis McMillan, right, and Donald Godreau assess the player of those attending the camp.
Players came from across Southern Alberta and one even travelled from Vancouver to participate. They ranged in age from players born as recent as 2002 to those born in the late 90s.

"It was a good range but the young kids did a hell of a job by pushing some of the older guys and showing basically what we have for potential next season," says McMillan.

Donald Godreau, Mount Royal University's men's hockey scout and recruiting coordinator, came out to give McMillan a second set of eyes on the potential recruits. The two became acquainted when McMillan was an assistant coach with the university.

"I was happy to see him and happy to have him out. He's a fantastic hockey mind. It's fantastic to know people like that because they like helping you and vise-versa."

It's been a hectic but fruitful off-season for the Gens so far. They've filled key management and leadership positions and this camp was another check on the list.

"This season is a bit of a stepping stone for us. I want to essentially bring the program around in the direction of a junior 'A' hockey program."

The Gens won't have a main camp in the fall and instead will have a 10-day window after practices begin Sept. 4 to gear up for the season. McMillan is hoping the team will have a series of exhibition games in that window.

"We'll get into the grove of thing comes Sept. 4 and hopefully come out of the gate real fast.

The Heritage Junior Hockey League season opens Sept.14 and the schedule is currently being finalized.