Braves Open Camp, Eye New Era Of Development

The Spokane Braves open training camp Saturday with the hope that by next year they’ll fit into a new era of hockey development.

Up to 70 players are expected to greet new coach Gary Braun when the Braves convene for two 2-hour practice sessions at Eagles Ice-A-Rena at 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Braun, who coached the major junior Spokane Chiefs in the 1988-89 season and later served as Bryan Maxwell’s assistant when the Chiefs won the ‘91 Memorial Cup, said he expects to be down to 25-30 players following Monday’s 8-10 a.m. practice.

The Braves open play in the Junior B Kootenay International League on the road on Sept. 14. Their home opener is Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. with Osoyoos, British Columbia.

The Braves organization is hoping to be part of a stronger player developmental process in the Inland Northwest if and when a proposed $5.2 million multi-purpose ice rink goes up in Post Falls, Braun said.

Post Falls has received a conditional franchise in the Rocky Mountain Junior A League - a step up from the Braves’ Junior B classification. The condition is the completion of a rink.

If plans go through, Braun said players in Inland Northwest minor hockey would have another level of junior hockey to shoot for, an intermediate step between the Braves and the Chiefs.

Contractor Bob Guindon is seeking financing for the new rink, which could be ready for the ‘97-98 season. The facility as proposed would seat 3,800 for hockey and accommodate figure skating and boxing, Braun said.

Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz said players most of the major junior players who move in and out of Spokane have a place to play “but we’re always looking for opportunities to develop players.

“If they don’t have a place to go, something like that (a local Junior A club) could be opportunity and I’m all for that,” Speltz added.

, DataTimes