With summer right around the corner, the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals are looking to get some players on the ice, signing three players for the 2014-2015 season.
The Generals have been busy since their spring camp, with a number of players committing and a few signings. Sebastian Powsey, 18, from Cumberland, was signed in May after a strong showing at the Generals’ spring camp.
He had 45 points in 60 games last season with the Sisec Selects in Calgary.
Three more signings were recently made by the Generals: David Anderson, a 17-year-old goaltender from Santa Clarita, California; Keanu Gallegos, 18, from Colorado; and Joshua Carless Jones, 17, from Nanaimo.
“We’ll be taking David, Keanu and Josh Harvey, who’s also committed for next season with us, to Boston for the Chowder Cup,” said general manager Lou Gravel.
“It’s a prestigious tournament that is run by the Central Scouting agency in the NHL.”
Harvey played for the Generals in a handful of games last season and the defenseman from Port Alberni will be looking to make his mark as a full member this season.
Anderson was at the Cowichan Capitals spring camp and played for the Utah AAA Grizzlies U18 team. He impressed both the coaching staff of Jason Johns and Rob Gaudreault, as well as Gravel.
Gallegos was spotted at a camp in Boston, which Gravel attended. As for Jones, the Nanaimo product took part in the Generals spring camp as well and made a good impression, according to Gravel.
“We’re really excited about some of the quality players and people we’ve committed too so far,” Gravel said.
“Not only are these great players that we’ve been able to get to know over these last few weeks but they’re going to be great additions to our community as well.”
The Generals are also starting summer ice sessions, beginning June 7. They will be open to all bantam, midget and junior players for $5 per session. They will run for about an hour through to August 10.
With these signings, the Generals are looking to stock up on players in hopes of turning their ship around after a dreadful season that saw them win just eight games all year.
Gravel is positive about the way things have gone so far this offseason and is excited about the team heading forward. “It’s been a great start with head coach Jason Johns and his enthusiasm for finding talent,” he said.
“He’s been searching all over the Island for players and he’s been reaching out to a lot of people so it’s very encouraging to see.”
The Generals’training camp takes place August 15-17 and their pre-season games are already scheduled, including a home-and-home series against the Port Moody Panthers of the PIJHL (Pacific International Junior Hockey League).