The Topeka RoadRunners coaching staff and scouts are gathered in Grapevine, TX for the first of three open tryout camps as the team looks to reload the roster for the 2010-11 NAHL season.
The camp marks the first time the RoadRunners have utilized a third camp. \”We\’ve always had our Somerset (WI) camp, and the Chicago camp has been huge\”, said head coach Scott Langer. \”We needed to add an additional camp to better evaluate the players who want to play here.\” Over 100 players are expected to compete for a number of roster spots. \”We\’ve lost at least 14 players from last year\’s roster, so there are definitely spots available\”, he continued. \”We expect the competition level to be pretty high.\”
In recent years, spurred by the construction of numerous ice rinks, Texas has become a breeding ground for some exceptional hockey talent. Five players on the 2009-10 squad call Texas home, a stark departure from the days when only traditional hockey hotbeds were combed for talent.
The players at this weekend\’s camps are divided into 5 teams who will play head to head games throughout today and Saturday. From those games, two all-star teams will be selected that will get an extra chance to shine in a game on Sunday to close out the camp.