Spitfires fans got a peak at the future at the WFCU Centre Saturday.
A mini-camp brought together a 32 player mix of draft-picks, free agents and returning players that will be fighting for a roster spot for the 2018-2019 OHL season. Team Blue and Team White faced off in an on-ice scrimmage to get a feel for what it's like to play at the next level.
Jean-Luc Foudy netted one goal in the scrimmage — the 10th overall-pick in 2018 tells AM800 News he hopes to step in and contribute in the fall.
"For sure I'm ready to step in, I think I'm suited for this and I'm ready for it," he says. "My speed, my transitional play, and my playmaking will definitely fit in great here."
General Manager Warren Rychel says the mini-camp is just a small step in a much longer process.
He says most of the hopefuls are barely 16 years old, and they have a lot to prove — but Foudy's confidence isn't misplaced — he's one of the player's Rychel expects to transition quickly.
"Right now its April so it will be up to them who makes it. I think really right now the two main guys are [Kyle] McDonald, who I drafted in the second round and Foudy in the first round," says Rychel. "McDonald's an athletic 6'-3" guy who can score goals, so probably him in Foudy."
Starting goalie Michael DiPietro is heading into what could be his final OHL season, and third-round pick Xavier Medina is looking forward to the possibility of learning under him.
"I'm very excited, I've heard a lot of good things about him on and off the ice," he says. "Coming in as a 16 year old I can learn how the game is played and he can tell me how to deal with stuff on and off the ice."
DiPietro tells AM800 News he wants to give the same guidance he received coming into the league, but has to find a balance while he prepares to lead the team next season.
"I had a lot of mentorship this year, four goalie-partners trying to learn a little bit off them, but any way I can help," says DiPietro. "Obviously I've got to focus on my game too and give the team the best chance to win."
The game follow an autograph session and a State of the Spitfires question and answer session held earlier in the day.
Team White defeated Team Blue 4-2.