The return of junior hockey to Vancouver’s Mountain View Ice Arena will begin today with the River City Jaguars holding an open tryout camp for prospective players today through Sunday.
About 60 players from around the western United States are expected to participate in the camp.
The Jaguars are a Junior A, Tier III-level team for players ages 16-20. They play in the Northern Pacific Hockey League. The team has played at Valley Ice Arena in Beaverton for five seasons, but is relocating to Vancouver. The 2010-11 season will begin in September.
This week’s camp is an opportunity for players to be seen by the Jaguars coaches, as well as a scout from the University of Alaska Anchorage and perhaps a few other hockey programs.
The scrimmage-oriented camp is open to the public at no charge. Mountain View Ice Arena is at 14313 S.E. Mill Plain.
On-ice sessions are scheduled for 6:30-9:15 p.m. Friday, 8 to 10:45 a.m. and 6:30-9:15 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:30-2 p.m. on Sunday.
Jaguars general manager Chuck Cheshire said the team has signed several players, including a goalie and a defenseman, for the coming season and has verbal commitments from others. The team expects to sign more players following the weekend camp.
Players for the Jaguars pay to play in the NORPAC, a developmental league for players attempting to land college or professional hockey opportunities.
James Abudaker, who will be a 20-year-old in his fourth season with the Jaguars, is expected to sign with the team for the 2010-11 season.
A graduate of Portland Lincoln High School who attends Portland Community College, said he is excited about the team moving to Vancouver.
“I’ve played at Mountain View many times before,” he said. “It’s probably a better place for a team like the Jaguars” to develop a fan following.
Alaskan Dylan Longoria is another returning member of the Jags who is expected to sign with the team.
