After a week of heavy recruiting and ID camps the future of the Trail Smoke Eaters is beginning to take shape.
About 100 players made up a total of six teams comprised of talented 15-to-18 year old hockey players who gave their all in the ID camp that held a series of four competitive scrimmages, followed by exit interviews.
In addition to the ID camp in Trail last weekend and the up and coming ID camp June 2-4 in Fairfield, CT, the Smoke Eaters coaching staff has also been busy recruiting for the upcoming season.
More specifically, Trail bolstered the talent up front with the commitments of forwards Trip Pendy, Jack DesRuisseaux and Corson Maguire.
Pendy, from Far Hills, N.J. is a product of Delbarton High school, playing US High School-Prep league as well as playing 18U AAA with the New Jersey Rockets.
“I want to thank Coach Fragle and everyone involved for this opportunity,” said Pendy in a release. “I look forward to developing as a player but also a person. I am super excited for the upcoming season and look forward to everything Trail has to offer.”
The 18-year-old, left-shot forward totaled 42 goals and added 87 assists for 129 points in 82 games this year.
“Trip is a high character individual that plays with pace in all three zones of the ice and he has a high end offensive skill set that our coaching staff is looking forward to working with next season,” said Smoke Eaters GM and head coach Tim Fragle.
DesRuisseaux, from Manchester, N.H. is a product of Tabor Academy and set to join the Smoke Eaters in the fall.
The 19-year-old forward tallied 70 points in 50 games this season, and is committed to Sacred Heart University. The right shot talent split his season with Tabor Academy in the US High School-Prep league and with the Boston Jr. Bruins U18 AAA.
He scored 32 goals across the two leagues and was also part of the leadership group at Tabor, wearing an “A” this season.
“I want to thank Coach Fragle and the whole organization for this opportunity,” said DesRuisseaux. “I am super excited to be joining Trail and I look forward to developing my game as a Smoke Eater!”
According to coach Fragle, DesRuisseaux is a responsible two-way centre who plays a full 200-foot game.
The addition of Maguire will also help kickstart the Smoke Eaters offence.
The Toronto native had an impressive season with the Bishop Kearney Selects U18 program, where he put up 32 goals and 53 points in 73 games.
“Corson has a high compete level and will bring a physical element to the team,” said Fragle “He possesses a strong shot and has provided scoring at all levels. We are excited to add him to our group heading into next season.”
The 18-year-old right shot forward had a standout Circle K Classic tournament (formerly known as the Macs U18 tournament) in Calgary back in December.
Maguire finished ninth in tournament scoring with five goals and five assists in six games helping the Selects win their group title.
“I want to thank Coach Tim and the Trail organization for the opportunity to take my game to the next level,” said Maguire. “I am looking forward to joining such a great organization and continuing to develop as a player under such strong leadership. I hope to make a positive impact on the team both on and off the ice.”