Spokane Chiefs open training camp looking to fill a few roster spots

Everybody is checked in and, in theory, ready to begin.

After days of fitness testing to see if their young talent adaquately prepared over the summer, the Spokane Chiefs coaching staff, scouting staff and general manager Tim Speltz will turn their boys loose on the ice today as the annual Chiefs training camp begins.

Among other things, they’ll be looking to fill a handful of available roster spots for the upcoming Western Hockey League season.

“I want to see the veteran players arrive in good shape, working hard and not taking anything for granted,” Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Moulton said. “I would like to see healthy competition at camp from everyone … the indication of a successful camp is when our veterans are pushed.”

More than 70 players are in town for Chiefs camp, including roster players, players from their 50-player protected list and camp invitees.

Nineteen of the 23 players from last year’s postseason lineup are expected at camp, including the 2011-12 Western Conference defenseman of the year, Brenden Kichton – a New York Islanders prospect who did not sign in the offseason.

“This week is a culmination of a lot of work by our scouting staff,” Moulton said. “We have a lot of good players coming in and pushing the issue.”

Ticket packages for the regular season are on sale now through the Chiefs ticket office at (509) 535-PUCK (7825).