Wild Tryouts Start

A total of 113 skaters and goalies gave up one of the rare sunny days of the summer of 2009 for the thrill of the rink as full tryouts began at the Bantam and Minor Midget levels on August 8^that the Cornwall Civic Complex. 

Goalies hit the ice two days earlier for pre-camp evaluations.  More than 20 goalies were put through their paces by goaltender consultants Martin Rheaume and Charles McTavish.  When forwards and defencemen joined the tryouts on Saturday, the 2009-10 season was officially underway.

“We have a lot of skilled players in camp -- I’m looking forward to an exciting season this year,” said Minor Bantam coach Mike Celantano.   Celantano moved up to the Wild after coaching boys and girls hockey in Cumberland over the last several years.  He has coached lacrosse and soccer and held a number of minor hockey administrative positions as well.  He also brings more than 20 years of experience as a referee to the Wild bench.

Mark Lupien returns as coach for the 1995 Bantam major team.  There are several openings on his squad as a number of players have moved away or returned to their home zones after playing with the Wild last year.  Lupien had over 30 players in camp this year, almost twice as many as last year. 

Minor Midget coach Rick Legault is back for a third year with the Wild, returning at the Minor Midget level.  He has added former OHL player Chad Robinson behind the bench as an assistant coach.  Sylvio Pantuso rounds out his coaching staff.  Legault’s team opens the season on September  11 at the Toronto Titans tournament.  “My goal for the year is to return to the OHL Cup,” said Legault, whose 2008-09 Minor Midget team earned a berth in the prestigious year-end tournament with a first round playoff upset of the Upper Canada Cyclones.