As the day's become a little cooler, it's feeling more like hockey season both inside and outside the TG Smith Centre.

The Steinbach Pistons rookie camp wrapped up after a couple days of workouts and scrimmages. Head Coach Paul Dyck was pleased with the overall feel and effort of the days. 

"First of all, it was great to get back in the rink and see the guys on the ice" Dyck said after Sunday's scrimmage. "Because of the Covid regulations, we've had a smaller group this year, the quality was high. We had 36 guys going. The pace was good, the intensity was high and we've had some guys show really well."

A number of players have had this experience before and Dyck notes it's clear they've really matured mentally and physically. "No question they're young pros. Guys came in and they are great young people. Terrific gentlemen. It's always an excellent first impression. On the ice, we've had some of these guys two or three years. The way they develop, they come in at first all wide eyed but now they're the leaders. It's great to see on all levels."

The Pistons main camp will start September 21st with off-ice workouts and as of now, it's unclear how many of the rookies will be moving to the big camp. "We don't know the exact number yet. In years past, the number might have been higher but we're only allowed 34 guys at main camp. So, there could be ten guys or maybe up to twelve. Have to wait and see."

Two players that could have a shot to make the club are Neo Kimeney and Owen Weihs.

Kimeney had a one game stint with the Pistons last year and even scored a goal. He says having that experience really drove him to continue to grow as a player. "Being a younger player with a lot of older guys, it was testing myself. Playing with a higher level of guys, it's great to show me how to prepare to get to where I wanna be."

There looks to be a chance for Kimeney to establish himself and he's looking forward to the challenge. "I try to do my best all the time. I try to do what I do. I try to focus on the smart things. Mentally, visualize what I'm going to do and then go to execute. I want to be the hardest working guy out there. I want to be an offensive and defensive force."

Weihs was acquired from the OCN Blizzard earlier in the summer and is chomping at the bit to get going in the blue and white. "It's great to be here. I'm so excited to be a part of the town and the organization. It's such an awesome feeling. I'm the type of guy who's hard nosed, battle and will put the puck in the net. I'm a gritty player and not afraid to get into peoples faces."

As a young guy coming in, Weihs knows positive things will come off hard work and patience. "It's all about taking things one step at a time. Try and crack the roster and then get going from there. Willing to play any role and build my way up. I know I'll face adversity as a rookie but it's good to battle through that. As the season goes along, I want to grow and be a player that has an impact on the team."

As far as the new every day feel of going to the rink, Dyck says these few days were a great indication of how things moving forward will be. "Things are done differently now. We've screened the players as they came in. Washing jersey's, disinfecting rooms, things like that. It's different but it's good to start getting into the habit of doing it, it's a great learning experience for the staff."

After a long summer of zoom meetings, Dyck says that seeing the likes of Calvin Bugyik, Graham Pollock, Jeff Eidse and Head Scout David Anning and getting to converse in person, meant a lot. "It's one of the great things about this game, the relationships you have. We've spent hours on the phone over the summer so getting to finally be together, I think it was something everyone really enjoyed."

Steinbach Pistons main camp hits the ice September 22nd at the TG Smith Center.