Nelson Leafs 2014 training camp kicked off on Friday and new head coach David McLellan is looking at all aspects of his team.
But with more than 40 players at camp, he doesn’t have a lot of time to sift through each one’s skills.
“Skating still is a classic. It stands out more than anything. If you can skate and you have some hockey sense it’s a player you can usually work with,” said McLellan before camp began.
He also said that a player’s work ethic supersedes their skill level.
“I’ll give them a second look for sure, just on work ethic.”
While he has a solid base of returning players to work with, the new coach is looking for some specific roles to be filled.
“To me, we’re returning a solid top four defence... If we can find a good young defenceman to develop that would be great.”
Offensively there are some positions up for grabs.
“I think there is a good mix — from what I’ve gathered — of third and fourth line guys. What we might be short in is our top six role.”
Nelson plays its first exhibition game Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Beaver Valley.
