The Texas RoadRunners have completed their 2021-2022 training camp and will now head into this week in preparation for opening weekend @ “Spirit Ice Arena” as the team will host the Mid Cities Jr. Stars in a three game homestand beginning Friday at 6:15PM
“Even though this was one of the shortest camps I have had over the years it was very productive and I feel confident in our group.” states Coach Mike Beavis. Beavis went onto say that his team arrived in Texas ready to work and in decent shape which made a good base to start. The team worked hard through two on ice and two off ice sessions most of the week, ending with an intersquad scrimmage on Saturday.
“We have a good group this year. They came in focused and ready to work. We are a bit younger and quite a bit more skilled then last seasons group.” stated assistant coach Caleb Fitzpatrick. The team is a bit younger and quite a bit faster then the team it’s fans saw last season for sure but there are still some variables that the coaching staff are interested to discover over the next few days. “We really like what we have seen as far as skill and work ethic, compete level has been high and these guys are seeming to get it for sure. But, until we see them in a couple game situations over the next week we will not know where our focus will have to be.” added Beavis
Depth up front is the key for this seasons team and it looks like the line up that the Runners will have on opening night is sure to make things exciting. The back end also looks to be solid with some off season additions including 18 year old Ty Neckar, who is sure to get some early attention from some NAHL teams looking to add a solid young defenseman. The biggest surprise came when the Odessa Jackalopes returned goaltender Hunter Hein for a bit more work before returning to the parent club for an opportunity. “Scott Deur let me know last week that Hunter was close but needed some game time with us to readjust after being out most of last season with an injury. He has rehabbed nicely and showed well in the Jacks training camp and really came into his own over the past week but Scott just wanted to have him get some game time in before moving back to Odessa.” added Beavis Hein tendered with Odessa in the off season and was a guy the team was very excited about. The 18 year old from Phoenix, AZ. is an impressive 6’4 200lb goaltender with some impressive numbers over the past few seasons. Look to see Hein make the jump to the NAHL in the near future.
The Roadrunners return to the ice today in preparation for this weeks opening series and there is quite a bit of excitement in Bryan / College Station about this seasons team. “We have a great support group with our billet families, sponsors and volunteers that we spent a lot of time assembling over the off season. Just a great group coupled with a team that is hungry and topped off with a four year rink deal that will keep us here for quite awhile.” states coach Fitzpatrick. Simply said, this could be a great year for the RoadRunners and their fans. Be sure to catch all the action beginning this Friday at 6:15 PM at the “Spirit Ice Arena” when your Runners take on the Mid Cities Stars, catch all the action live or as always @ www.hockeytv.com