The intensity picked up during Day 2 of Rampage training camp. The team was again split into two groups – one group on the ice, one group participating in off-ice workouts. 

 

Breakouts and transitioning from offense to defense through the neutral zone took up the majority of the time during the on-ice sessions.

 

Following breakouts, the team worked on 3-on-1, 3-on-2 and 3-on-3 offensive zone drills which led to plenty of good battles in the corners. The intensity was cranked up a couple notches, as several guys were using their bodies to protect the puck. 

 

“I thought it was a really good day,” said Rampage head coach Chuck Weber. “The guys continued to show a great work ethic. We were able to install a little bit more of our neutral zone system, with and without the puck. I thought both groups worked extremely hard and did great things in their off-ice workout as well.”

 

Tomorrow the entire group will take the ice together in the morning for a practice with a scrimmage to follow.

 

“We’ll finally have a chance to see the guys get up and down the ice tomorrow,” Weber said. “We’ve done some things in smaller areas, whether it 3-on-3 or 5-on-5. Now we’ll see these guys get up and down the ice and make some plays. We will also see how they take some of the information we’ve given them and see how they execute it in a game-like situation.”

 

Overall, Weber has been pleased with the energy level of the team two days into camp.

 

“The speed that our guys are playing with, you can really see that in some of the drills we are doing,” he said. “Some of our small area stuff, you can see the addition of the size that we have in puck protection that will make us more effective.” 

 

Strachan Arrives

 

Defenseman Tyson Strachan made it to San Antonio on Monday night and took the ice with the team on Tuesday morning. 

 

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenseman played in 50 games here in the Alamo City last year, tallying three goals and 14 points. He also was called up to the Florida Panthers for 15 games last year and recorded three points (1g, 2a) in 15 games. 

 

“It’s a great first day kind of feeling,” he said. “You get that excitement going. It’s great to be back. It’s October and it’s time to play hockey. I’m excited to be here with the guys.”