Raiders Rant: It’s camping season!
Raider training camp is underway with a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement. The energy was infectious when many of the veterans gathered quickly Wednesday morning in the team’s weight room with high fives all around.
Part of that has to do with the fact the Raiders closed out the playoff less 2014-15 campaign by playing their best hockey of the season over the final dozen games and the resulting chemistry that was built in the dressing room.
The beginning of training camp means the debuts of several new faces at the Art Hauser Centre, the most significant being general manager Curtis Hunt. A clear direction will be set by head coach Marc Habscheid from day one. Habscheid, associate Dave Manson and assistant Kelly Guard developed a synergy over the final four months of last season and will be bolstered by the very capable alumnus Mark Odnokon who returns to the Raider coaching ranks.
In addition to stability in the front, and coaching offices, the team will have 18 returnees when main camp breaks, meaning the top rookies and free agents will essentially be pushing veterans for a precious few roster spots on opening night September 25.