Intrasquad game just one tool for choosing players

The Warriors' Black and White intersquad game was the last time a lot of players will see the WHL ice this year, but it is by far not the only measuring stick the team's management will use.
"We don't try to put all the focus on one night," said Warriors general manager Chad Lang, who was at the season-opening camp to evaluate players with coach Dave Hunchak, new assistant coach Kevin Higo, director of scouting Rob MacLachlan, goaltending consultant Tim Cheveldae and the rest of the scouting staff.
"I don't think it's fair to those kids because they all go through various things. But in the same sense, there were kids we expected more from, and maybe there were other kids we didn't think were able to reach that level and they were able to do it tonight."
As an evaluation tool, a one-sided 5-2 game that wasn't in much doubt will tell the coaches and management as much about the individual players as a closer, fight-filled game will.
"When there's a closer game, the temp goes up and that competitiveness is there," said Lang. "Maybe when the score goes up like it did, that's where complacency can fall into place. It gives us a good indication what some of these kids' character is all about.
"There were kids who were on the team that was up and they continued to battle, and others kind of took their foot off the gas pedal. And vice versa . . . It gives us an indication of their commitment level, their determination as well as their competitiveness."


For more, check out Monday's Times-Herald.