Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – It’s been a busy week for Brandon Wheat Kings forward Ty Lewis.
The 18-year-old returning forward took part in Wheat King’s training camp on the weekend; played in the Intra-Squad game, took part in a slow pitch tournament on Monday and now heads off to Denver for his first NHL Training Camp.
After going undrafted in the June’s NHL Entry Draft, the Brandonite received an invite to the Colorado Avalanche development camp in July. There, he made enough of an impression to earn an invite to training camp this week.
"He has quick instincts and can pounce on a loose puck or get his feet moving fast on his first three strides." Joel Henderson of Dobber Prospects said, "The way he is able to get a wrist shot off is super impressive. He has shown that there is upside and a solid offensive skill set to build upon. The way he forechecks is impressive as well and often shows off his work ethic and quick stride to badger the defence."
Avalanche rookie camp is set to begin with a practice at Family Sports Center in Centennial, Colorado Friday, Sept. 8 before the group heads to San Jose for the Sharks Prospects tournament.
Colorado will square off against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, Sept. 9, Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, Sept. 11 and Anaheim Ducks on Monday, Sept. 12.
"The pace is that much faster, the passes are harder, shots are harder and everything is that much better," said Lewis. "Hopefully, I can learn a few things there and bring them to my game and perform well."
Lewis is one of six Wheat Kings heading to NHL training camps. Tanner Kaspick (St.Louis), Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia), Stelio Mattheos (Carolina), Logan Thompson (Vegas) and Kale Clague (Los Angeles) will all attend various prospects tournaments and showcases over the next ten days. Daniel Bukac, a 7th round pick of the Boston Bruins was not listed on their camp roster, but he is currently out of commission with a lower body injury. It is unclear if he will go to Boston for a medical visit, or remain in Brandon.
For Lewis, not hearing his name at the NHL Entry Draft in Chicago was disappointing, but he is not overlooking the opportunity he has in front of him.
"I thought I had a chance to get drafted but unfortunately it didn’t work out." Lewis added, "Colorado has given me a great opportunity and I appreciate everything they have done for me. I’m going to work hard and do the best I can to make a good impression."
Meanwhile, The Wheat Kings will open the pre-season tomorrow night at Westman Place vs the Regina Pats.
Puck drop is 7:30, with the Q-Country pre-game show hitting the air at 7:00p.m.
