Global Sports Camp in Burnaby, BC

Just returned from Burnaby, just outside of Vancouver, BC from a good Global Sports Camp. Globals were well attended by both US and Canadian players. A look at the program had the following breakdown of players.

  • 96-97's US: 18 Canadian: 50 (36% US players)
  • 4-95's US: 24 Canadian: 46 International: 1 (51 % US players)
  • 90-93's US: 77 Canadian: 243 International: 4 (32% US players)
I saw several NorPac players there:
  • Jordan Blake-Jones, Eugene Generals
  • Micheal Sullivan, Helena Bighorns
  • Josef Chase, Rogue Valley Wranglers
  • Abeal Aberra, (Released) Rogue Valley Wranglers
  • Aaron Riemersma, Rogue Valley Wranglers
  • Aaron Alto, River City Jaguars
  • Ryan Mana, (Released) Seattle Totems
  • Adam Wade, Coeur d'Alene Lakers
  • Zach Mayer, Puget Sound Tomahawks
  • Steven Roe, Tri-City Titans
I saw several different Coaches & Scouts there:
  • Seattle Totems
  • Helena Bighorns
  • Butte Roughriders
  • Eugene Generals
  • River City Jaguars
  • Boise Jr. Steelheads & San Antonio, WSHL (Western States), Jr. A T-III
  • several Canadian Jr. B
  • several BCHL
  • WHL
  • OHL (Ontario Hockey League)
  • AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League)
  • USHL
  • NAHL
  • Colleges (St. Cloud, Merrimac, Alaska Fairbanks, Dartmouth, and others)
  • Prep Schools (Okanogan, Notre Dame, Pursuit of Excellence, and others)
If I were a scout (which I am not) I saw 4-5 US players that would make excellent player prospects for the Wranglers. Three of them were forwards that had lots of goals and were fast, very fast. Unfortunately I did not see any Wrangler coaches or scouts there to talk to these players. I even talked to one Canadian that would have been interested in playing for the Wranglers. Hopefully they will all still be available and going to Vegas Globals where I'm hoping the Wranglers will be at. I'm sure that Flint, Jay, and Chris from the Gens were busy recruiting hopeful players.

Wranglers Josef Chase and Aaron Riermersma were happy with their camp and did good. Aaron has got at least 3 Canadian Jr. B invites. Josef is too young to play in Canada, otherwise he would consider playing up north. I talked to a couple of coaches/scouts and both of them were impressed with Aaron and Josef. Aaron's quickness and hustle were mentioned as attributes. Josef's strength in the corners and defensive play in front of the net were mentioned as attributes. Way to go boys. I watched them both and would say they represented the Wranglers well with their play.

I am disappointed that Coach Chelios, Kevin, or Dan were not there recruiting future Wranglers. Last year 3 Wranglers were recruited from Globals in Burnaby - Josef Chase, Jesse Martorano, and Aaron Riemersma. For those who believe Globals in Burnaby is only for Canadians they are wrong, just plain wrong. Try telling the 119 US players that attended. Wranglers you missed a good one, and I'm disappointed. If your son has a chance to attend a Global Sports Camp I would highly recommend it. Not only do they offer a chance to have your son be viewed by coaches and scouts, but they also offer great parent & player seminars too.

Finally, Josef and Aaron invited me to watch their Ultimate Hockey Spring League games which were after the Global games and again very good hockey. The boys play for the Husky Flames and they won both their games. One game was won with only 8 seconds left. Once again good, no EXCELLENT hockey. Both Josef and Aaron are key to the Flames game plan.