By Drew Wilson

Raider hopefuls go camping for the weekend

May 26, 2011 | 3:24 PM

Raider hopefuls will go through a steep learning curve this weekend.

There will be no camp fires (they are banned anyway) or hot dog and marshmallow roasts — it's the annual spring camp which will follow the exact same format as last season.

There will be no on ice activities for the 24 hopefuls, since Raider scouts have seen the players with their club teams for the past two seasons, said associate coach and assistant GM, Steve Young.

“For us the main focus is the off ice stuff they have to learn and understand as far as training and nutrition, a bit of goal setting, sports psychology, I guess a big bulk of what people don't see off the ice.”

The rigorous weekend begins right after Friday afternoon registration, with a fitness testing session that will be a big eye-opener for those who haven't had the experience as a potential Raider, said Young.

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“It's a tough league to play in, you're playing against guys who are going to play in the NHL the next season, it's a tough grind as far as road trips and that. So the mental training and physical training as far as goals we set physically as far as conditioning, strength. Those types of things will really be showed and demonstrated to our players.”

Strength and conditioning consultant Jeff Comption will be on hand in addition to a nutritional expert said Young.

“Well you know we have our strength and conditioning guy coming in, we have Heather Heinz coming in for nutrition, as a coaching staff we do some of the other stuff (education, team information, goal setting). We do have four veteran players coming in who can mix with these guys so they know and understand what it takes as well.”

Assistant captain and playoff MVP Brandon Herrod, speedy winger Charles Wells as well as physical players Harrison Ruopp on defence and Austin Connor up front will be the veteran mentors for the weekend.

The players being put through their paces this weekend are all eligible to play in the WHL full time next season, Young said.

“The players that were just drafted in the previous draft will not be coming. They will get a good look at main camp on how to do things, but these guys (24 camp attendees) are guys that have potential to make our hockey club in the fall and we want to give them every opportunity to learn and understand.”

The 24 spring campers include Prince Albert boys Sawyer Lange on defence and goalie Taryn Phaneuf as well as 2010 first round draft choice Josh Morrissey. The Calgary defenseman is expected to be a regular on the Raider blue line next season after making an impressive debut during the 2010-11 campaign.

The spring camp wraps up late Sunday morning.

dwilson@rawlco.com