Members of the Belleville Senators line up for a face off during their inaugural training camp at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
The Belleville Senators wrapped up day two of their inaugural training camp at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre Monday, ahead of the start of the pre-season this weekend.
Head Coach Kurt Kleinendorst is continuing to put players through their paces, deal with the emotions of players who have been sent down from NHL camp and wait for more bodies to arrive, as the NHL Sens make their roster decisions.
He tells Quinte News, he’s pleased with how players have been responding since arriving in Belleville.
While some veteran players are dealing with the sting of being sent down from NHL training camp, others are relishing the chance to take part in a pro camp and try to earn a spot on the team.
21 year-old defender Cody Donaghey took part in Maple Leafs rookie camps while playing junior, but after his rights were traded to Ottawa in the deal for Dion Phaneuf, he says he’s ready to make an impact with a new organization.
The Newfoundland native wrapped up his six-team QMJHL career by splitting last season between Sherbrooke and Charlottetown.
The B-Sens have been staying in a hotel in the Friendly City since camp began and will get more chances to explore the city as the week goes on, but most of the focus has been on the ice.
Forward Ben Sexton is entering his fifth full season in the AHL, his first with the Sens organization and tells Quinte News one of the main messages being passed on from the coaching staff early on is to keep the pace up.
In other B-Sens news, veteran forwards Michael Blunden and Max Reinhart have been returned to Belleville after clearing waivers.
Training camp continues Tuesday through Friday, with an exhibition series in Laval against the Rocket Saturday and Sunday on 800 CJBQ.
