Camp complete, exhibition games up next for Thunderbirds

Preseason action is less than two weeks away and the Soo Thunderbirds continue to prepare for the new Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season.

With a new coach in John Parco and new faces throughout the lineup, it’s going to be a learning curve but there were positives as the organization wrapped up training camp on Sunday afternoon.

“I was excited. We saw some really talented players,” Parco said of the two-day camp. “We saw some really talented players. There were some kids we hadn’t seen before and they brought some skill.”

Making the adjustment to coaching in the NOJHL, Parco hasn’t set specific expectations as he prepares for the new season.

“For me it’s almost impossible to tell,” Parco said of the expectations for the new season. “Until we see all of the other teams, it’s tough to say (what the expectations are).”

Parco would say that there were a lot of positives that came out of the weekend camp.

“I liked the intensity and the effort that the kids put in. I like our skill level,” Parco said.

The new Thunderbirds bench boss said he expects an up-tempo style from the team this season.

“We should end up being a really good puck-moving team with some speed and skill,” Parco said.

Parco takes over as head coach of the Thunderbirds from Jordan Smith, who left the team to take a position as associate coach with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves.

After 18 seasons of pro hockey that saw him play both in North American and Europe, Parco spent five seasons coaching in Italy’s top pro league, spending four seasons with Asiago and one season with Cortina. Parco also served as the video coach for the Italian national team at two World Championships. Parco also served as the strength and conditioning coach with the Lake Superior State hockey team last season.

“Hockey in the end, whether it’s in Europe or in North America, is still hockey,” Parco said. “I coached in a real North American-style and I think I can bring all of that knowledge here.”

The Thunderbirds have a pair of exhibition games scheduled ahead of the regular season as the team takes on the Soo (Mich.) Eagles at Pullar Stadium on Sept. 1 and 2. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:30 p.m.

The team opens regular season action on Sept. 8 on the road against the Hearst Lumberjacks. The team will open action on home ice on Sept. 15 against the Blind River Beavers.