Looking back at the Gladiators' training camp

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With training camps wrapped up, let's look at which players stood out in the Gladiators' camp.

 

In the weight room, John Poremba Jr @CrlineDijohn14 and Joey Coaster @FANTEIGE really stood out with their strength, that's what you definitely want to see from your defensemen and centers.

 

When hitting the ice, the speed of Curtis Crumb @Crummer77 was noticeable immediately during the opening laps, with Hasbulla Magomedov @Motzaburger not far behind. Closing the laps were Joey Coaster and Akio Suzuki @Erik, who looked like they might need more time to get their legs to midseason shape. Curtis Crumb's control of the puck at speed looked really, really good, almost as if it was attached to his stick by a string. Good luck separating him from the puck when he's in possession. Hasbulla Magomedov and Rhys Trenton @DeeGoat looked really strong with the puck as well.

 

During team scrimmage, Tom Creeg's @Creegan610, Akio Suzuki's and Hasbulla Magomedov's ability to deliver the puck to their teammates was always a treat to watch. Once in the offensive zone, especially Suzuki's, Creeg's and Left Alone's @okochastar ability to create offense and to finish was above the rest, and the offensive play of John Poremba Jr from the blue line is definitely worth mentioning as well. On defensive side, Nicholas Blue @lidz and Jens Lekman @Bobcat were never out of position and often showcasing their ability to intercept the attackers' passes. Among forwards, defensive positioning, stick checking and play without the puck of Wann Kerr was miles above the rest of the team, no doubt he will be Gladiators' primary penalty killer in the upcoming season.

 

Joey Coaster looked by far the strongest in the face off circle, really utilizing his physical strength by pushing the opponent away from the puck. Wann Kerr looked good as well, those two are probably your 1-2 punch down the middle.

 

Another thing that stood out was Joey Coaster's willingness to play the body. Combined with his physical strength and 6'5" frame, he's a freight train, you definitely wouldn't want to be at the receiving end of his hit. Rhys Trenton's physical play will also be a huge asset in stopping the opposition's transition game.