The Windsor Spitfires opened training camp Monday
46 returning players, new draftees and free agent hopefuls were at the WFCU Centre.
Three days of on and off-ice sessions begin Tuesday before the team hits the road for the 2nd Annual OHL Showcase at Harborcenter in Buffalo, New York.
The sessions that begin tomorrow will be open to the public.
AM800 Sports caught up with veteran goaltender Michael DiPietro today who says he hopes he can take on more of a leadership role this season.
"Ever since I came to Windsor I wanted to be a leader in any way I could and I think last year was kind of a good stepping stone for myself and I believe I would be a good role model for the younger guys — that's the future of the organization here and hopefully instill good values and what it's like to be a complete Windsor Spitfire player."
With all six defenseman returning, DiPietro says there is a strong defensive core.
"Phenomenal chemistry because we were together last year and I think the chemistry will just keep going in the right direction."
DiPietro spent the summer training, including some with with his NHL club, the Vancouver Canucks — he says he did a lot of work over the summer when it comes to tracking and head trajectory
"Hopefully slowing the shots down, slowing the game down and for myself, I was pretty happy with how I progressed from May to now."
The Spitfires open the season September 20th at home to Guelph.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi