On July 25 and 26, the South Muskoka Shield began the drive to defend their Russell Cup Championship by hosting a rookie camp at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre. A mix of local returning players and potential prospects took part in the grueling 6 hour, 2 day event. Unlike most rookie camps in junior hockey, the weekend was filled with intense skating drills and a 'nose-to-the-grindstone' attitude. Upon its conclusion on Sunday evening, several players were invited back to take part in the main camp in August.

The South Muskoka Shield would like to thank all the prospects who attended. Your effort did not go unnoticed which made for some very tough decisions. For those that did not advance beyond the weekend, we wish you the best of luck in the coming season.

As for the Shield, we are fortunate to have a very strong nucleus of returning players as well as some newly acquired players and some very promising prospects. As main camp approaches, it can be guaranteed that we will be an extremely hard working and well conditioned team. Our goal for the 2009-2010 season is nothing less than another title.

It's great to be back in the rink. See you all in August!

South Muskoka Shield Main Camp schedule

Saturday August 15th
12:00 – 4:00 PM -- Fitness Testing at the Arena
6:30 – 9:30 PM -- On-Ice

Sunday August 16th
3:30 – 5:00 PM -- Dryland Training at the Arena
6:30 – 8:30 PM –- On-Ice

Saturday August 22nd
3:30 – 5:00 PM –- Dryland Training at the Arena
6:30 – 9:30 PM –- On-Ice

Sunday August 23rd
3:30 – 5:00 PM –- Dryland Training at the Arena
6:30 – 8:30 PM –- On-Ice