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The junior ranks are a major feeder to the world of professional hockey. At this summer’s Mini-Camp there are 17 players who played in one of the numerous junior hockey leagues this past season. The largest contingent is players from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League.

Forwards Justin Dibenedetto, Matthew Martin, Vladimir Nikiforov, and defenseman Mark Katic all wore the black and gold of the Sting last season. Current Sound Tigers Jamie Fraser and Micheal Haley also dressed for Sarnia during their junior careers.

Fraser who was the leading scorer among defenseman for the Sound Tigers last season did not start his career as a defenseman, instead a center. As his first season was coming to a close, Fraser was approached by the Sarnia coaching staff to convert to defense as one of the team’s three overage players.

“I enjoyed my two seasons with the Sting and learned a lot transitioning from playing forward to defense,” Fraser said. “I’d played defense before and enjoyed it but once I started playing there and now in Bridgeport, I’ve learned that there is so much more to playing the position well such as positioning.”

For Fraser, he is the veteran out of the six Sarnia representatives at camp and has done his best to shed some advice on how the first year attendees should approach the on and off ice sessions.

Dibenedetto had a stellar season with the Sting scoring 103 points throughout the regular season and playoffs. His line-mate on Sarnia’s top combination was the NHL’s first overall pick, Steven Stamkos. The pairing along with Martin was a dangerous three-some that most OHL team’s had trouble shutting down.

“Prior to last season, I worked really hard to enter the season in the best shape I possibly could,” Dibenedetto said. “Skating with Stamkos and Martin made things really easy since both have tremendous skill and are very intelligent players both on and off the ice.”

Nikiforov is an invitee to the camp but has been extremely impressive after the first two days. The Hauppauge, NY native was traded from the Barrie Colts to the Sting mid-way through the season joining Dibenedetto and Martin. Nikiforov suffered a season ending jaw injury leaving him with 14 points through only 15 games with Sarnia.

“Being traded from Barrie to the Sting, I was excited to have a new opportunity,” Nikiforov said. “Breaking my jaw was extremely disappointing with the team we had but overall I really enjoyed my experiences there.”

Beep: The players’ first activity early this morning was the beep test. A distance of about 40 yards is measured out in front of the players and on each beep they have to be touching the line. Beeps are about 5-10 seconds between each other and if you don’t make it to the line in time you’re disqualified.

The Wrecker: Joel Rechlicz an off-season signing of the Islanders was Mic’D up during Team Morrow’s practice session today. Listen in for his conversations with Jason Pitton and Kyle Okposo about certain drills and the camp overall.

Scrimmage: Team Trottier won the afternoon scrimmage 3-0 over Team Morrow.  The goals were scored by Vladimir Nikiforov and Justin DiBenedetto and the game-winner was tallied by Sound Tiger winger Tyler Haskins.  The goalies for Team Trottier, Jase Weslosky and Kevin Poulin recorded the shut-out.  

Listen Up: Micheal Haley was Mic'd Up for the scrimmage.  He had some advice for new draft pick Corey Trivino and had a few opportunities to score.