Kootenay Ice training camp opens this Thursday at 10 a.m., when athletes aged 16 and older hit the Cranbrook Rec Plex ice for their first practice session.

The Western Hockey League club released its camp schedule on Monday (see below). It details the opening day’s practice sessions, which are followed by three days of two-a-day scrimmages.

“Training camp is an exciting start to the season,” said Kootenay director of scouting Garnet Kazuik, in a press release.

“The camp provides the opportunity for our coaches and scouting staff to see and evaluate our recently drafted players, while monitoring the progress of our veteran and list players. With a smaller number of athletes attending camp, we expect the competition level to be very high.”

The Ice will be evaluating the players’ fitness levels throughout Wednesday.

On Friday, the 63 players invited to camp will be split into three teams (Black, Blue and White). The list will be pared down for Monday’s United Way intrasquad game, which starts at 11 a.m.

The camp finale will be admission by donation.

All sessions are open to the public.

The camp will mix the 19 returning Ice athletes with dozens competing for roster spots, alongside this year’s draft class of players born in 1995.

Kootenay Ice Training Camp Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 2

Veterans Practice 10 - 11:15 a.m.

Prospect Session 2 - 4 p.m.

Goalies Session 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 3

Team White vs. Team Black 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Team Blue vs. Team Black 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4

Team Blue vs. Team White 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Team Black vs. Team Blue 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 5

Team White vs. Team Black 9 - 11a.m.

Team Blue vs. Team White 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 6

United Way Intrasquad Game 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.