When you are coming off a season in which you were the worst team in the entire league, no one should feel too comfortable about their job.
So despite the fact that Guelph Storm returns most of its roster from a year ago, there will still be plenty of competition for jobs, as there should be on a team that managed to win just 13 of 68 games.
"It's exciting for us in a sense that guys will be pushing for jobs and guys will be pushing for ice time," said coach Jarrod Skalde. "There will be some tough decisions to be made, whether it's some of the young guys or the returning guys.
"It's hockey. You come to the rink every day and the message is the same: you come and you put your best foot forward everyday."
The Storm players reported to camp Monday, checking in and going through fitness testing. Goalies got an on-ice workout.
A total of 53 players are expected in camp, 32 forwards, 15 defencemen and six goaltenders. The arrival of Russian import defenceman Dmitri Samorukov is delayed by some paperwork red tape.
"The numbers are there. We've acquired some pretty good players through the entry draft and through the import draft. We have a lot of numbers, but I think it's important the players get pushed," Skalde said.
Players are divided into three squads (Doughty, Bertuzzi, O'Neill) and will scrimmage Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.
On Thursday the three squads become two for a scrimmage from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The scrimmages, all at the Sleeman Centre, are open to the public.
Guelph plays its first exhibition game on Friday at home versus the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Here's a primer for all you need to know heading into camp:
WHO'S GONE: Overage defenceman C.J. Garcia (traded), overage forward Marc Stevens (released), overage defenceman Christian Mieritz (released), goaltender Michael Giugovaz (graduated), forward Jacob Harris (graduated), goaltender Bradley Van Schubert (traded).
NEW FACES: Defenceman Ryan Merkley (first overall pick), third round pick Luke Moncada, imports Dmitri Solorukov and Albert Michnac, goaltenders Liam Herbst and Anthony Popovic.
FORWARDS: Storm has 15 forwards under contract, not all of who will make the team that was the OHL's lowest scoring a year ago ... a full season of Nate Schnarr will help, but team still needs a top-line centre to emerge ... Moncada appeared heading for junior B, but the absence of second round pick Cam Hillis could open a door ... number of returnees fighting for a spot, including Kyle West and Brock Philips ... only two returning players hit the 20-goal mark last year, Givani Smith and James McEwan.
DEFENCE: Guelph has eight defenceman signed: Garrett McFadden, Noah Carroll, Levi Tetrault, Quinn Hanna, Samorukov, Merkley, Austin Hall and Kyle Rhodes. That's probably one too many to start the season.
GOALTENDING: Overager Liam Herbst comes over from the Ottawa 67s and if he can stay healthy should provide consistency ... 17-year-old rookie Anthony Popovich is the back-up and goalie of the future.
INTERESTING NAMES: Evan Brown was a highly-regarded third round pick two years ago before concussion issues slowed his progress ... free agent winger Benito Posa is the brother of former Storm defenceman Saverio Posa ... free agent defenceman Scott Gaetz is the son of owner Rick Gaetz.
FIRST ACTION: Exhibition game Friday at home against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
REGULAR SEASON: Opens Sept. 23 at home vs. Saginaw.
