It wasn't exactly the camp the coaching staff was hoping to have, as the Battlefords Midget AAA Sharks looked to put the struggles of the 2010-11 season behind them and start fresh with the 2011-12 training camp.
A handful of players who were eligible to return to the Sharks this season bowed out of camp and have intentions of playing house league hockey in their hometowns.
On the positive side, those players at camp have a great opportunity to play in the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League, the top female hockey league in the province with the most potential to receive a university or college scholarship.
The Sharks had 14 skaters and camp on the weekend at the Civic Centre, but an added bonus is that five goalies were out competing for roster spots.
The Sharks coaches could realize the low number of participants was taking a toll on the skaters at camps after running the drills, fitness tests and scrimmages, but the commitment level was tested and there is some potential with the Sharks' roster.
Head coach Jean Fauchon says he hopes to have two decent lines, one of which will be anchored by Delaney Ross, who turns 14 next month.
Ross led the Sharks in goals with six and points with 12 last season.
Fauchon said it wasn't just the Battlefords that saw a drop in numbers at camp, as another centre reposted the announcement of their camp to find more players interested.
Although there were just 14 skaters at the Sharks' camp, the roster still could change and some communities will have more skaters and have to make cuts and some of those players released could find spots on other teams in the SFMAAAL.
The Sharks' pre-season schedule is set to begin Sept. 18 with the regular season and home opener scheduled for Oct. 1 against Melville.
