Thunder continues to trim down tryout roster

The Soo Thunder continued their tryouts in preparation for the Northern International Hockey League season on Wednesday at the John Rhodes Arena.

What started as a 55-player tryout camp has been cut down to 28 players and will be down to 18 by Saturday night. The tryouts opened last Thursday and Saturday will mark the final day of tryouts where the final cuts will be made.

The Thunder, under new head coach Sal Lamantea, will feature a group of 10 forwards, six defensemen, and two goaltenders when all is said and done.

"We're very pleased," Lamantea said of the skill level in the tryouts. "The skill level among all 55 players was high. It was really nice to see. It makes my job a lot harder. I love it. This is the best time of year. Being a new coach, it's exciting. Probably the hardest part of the whole thing is cutting these kids because there's so many that can play at this level."

The Thunder, as a part of the Northern Ontario Bantam Hockey League, finished last season with a 31-3 record and went all the way to the provincial championships. Competing at the Minor Bantam level this season, the roster will feature all new faces while the Soo Junior Greyhounds compete in the NOBHL.

Lamantea takes of for Ken Hruska, who is no longer the teams' coach.

"Ken just decided to step aside," said Lamantea. "He wanted to coach some older boys at a higher level, which is good for him. We had been together for eight years and he gave me the reigns.

"I'm really excited," said Lamantea. "I think it's going to go really well. The staff that's around me is really going to compliment me so that'll be a good point."

As it stands, the Thunder roster currently features 28 players. Of those 28, two are currently injured – Kyle Paat (shoulder) and Brendan Kane (wrist) – and the management will make a decision regarding their status in the coming days.

Tryout action continues on Thursday night at 8:30 at the John Rhodes before a day off for the players on Friday. Saturday afternoon will be the final tryout at the Pee Wee Arena at 2 p.m.