Cowen impresses

The buzz around the Arena as players took the ice for the first time Friday for Spokane Chiefs training camp was mostly directed toward the veteran players.

One newcomer, though, showed why there is a lot of hype and excitement before preseason play has even started.

Defenseman Jared Cowen (6-foot-5, 210 pounds), who is eligible to play full time this season as a 16-year-old, showed during scrimmage play why he was the Chiefs’ overall top pick in the 2006 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

As a 15-year-old last season, Cowen – a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native – joined the Chiefs for their final six regular-season games and played in all six playoff games when the Chiefs lost to Everett in the opening round.

“I’ve been waiting for this for awhile now,” said Cowen of his full-time eligibility. “I’m definitely ready to go.”

Chiefs coach Bill Peters liked what he saw from the nearly 90 players who showed up for camp – including Cowen.

“It’s been an exciting day,” Peters said. “It’s nice to get back on the ice with your players and it’s my first time to see some of these ‘92-born players – last year’s draft class – and it’s also exciting to see some of the progress our veteran guys have made over the summer.”

Specifically, Peters was pleased with players’ maturity and the way they handled their fitness programs over the summer – which he said was evident during Thursday’s fitness testing.

“A lot of guys are off to impressive starts,” Peters said. “It’s real early in camp and I’ve been happy with everybody.”

Regarding Cowen, Chiefs director of scouting and player personnel Chris Moulton said there is good reason for all the hype.

“He has skill, smarts and a big body,” Moulton said. “He’s a good kid, a natural leader, and the type of guy you rely on when the game is on the line.”

Toothache for Ulmer

Stefan Ulmer’s smile said it all.

The Chiefs’ 2007 selection in the CHL Import Draft switched from a mask to a visor during the first scrimmage of the day, and moments later took a hard hit and skated off the ice, blood gushing from his mouth.

“Geez, Ulmer, how many teeth did you lose?” Peters asked the defenseman in passing after the scrimmage ended.

“Seven,” said Ulmer, smiling with pride.

“I didn’t think you had that many to lose,” Peters responded.

The Austria native played 32 games last season for the GCK Lions – an Elite Junior A team in Switzerland – finishing with two goals and 12 points.

He has also played for Austria’s Under-18 national team in their last two World Championship appearances – scoring one goal and two points in four games.

Ice chips

Also impressive in their first day of camp were veteran forwards Chris Bruton, Judd Blackwater, Seth Compton and Cody Esposito. Moulton said all four were in great shape coming into camp, Esposito in particular. “He’s come in bigger and stronger and has taken great steps to become a better player,” he said. … Local product Tyler Johnson (Central Valley High) was one of the Spokane-area players on hand for camp. Johnson had an impressive day, scoring in the opening scrimmage, and has the best shot of the locals to make the roster. He was drafted by the Chiefs in 2005.