Kootenay Ice training camp starts today, but work began yesterday as dozens of would-be and returning players performed fitness testing.

The returning players got their tests out of the way early Wednesday morning, while list and drafted players fighting for a spot did theirs in the afternoon.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch said he’s seen an improvement in overall player fitness in his four years with the club.

“As a coach, you like the work that they’ve done in the offseason. They’re obviously motivated to have a good season,” said Knoblauch.

“But saying that, fitness testing only tells so much. Just because you have a fit hockey player, it doesn’t mean that he’s a good hockey player.”

Demonstrating good fitness can help the scouts and coaches make roster decisions.

“If we have two players that are very close, I think somebody who’s in good condition has a better chance of making our team because they’re not going to wear down as much during the season,” said Knoblauch.

“It also tells the coaching staff a little bit about how dedicated they are about becoming a professional hockey player. That’s what we want: we want players who want to move on to the next level.”

Knoblauch is embarking on his first training camp as head coach; yesterday his duties were similar to years past, but he figures his presence might have had a bigger impact on the results.

“Maybe the players are more eager to impress me more now that I’m head coach than when I was assistant,” he said.

The athletes were put through four basic tests, on top of height, weight and body-fat measurements.

It started with bench press (as many reps as possible at 150 pounds), standing long jump, chin-ups and a two-mile run.

Among last year’s players, Jesse Ismond was the fleetest of foot — by far. He completed his rounds at the College of the Rockies track in 11 minutes, 38 seconds. Most took 13 minutes or longer to complete it.

“If he didn’t play hockey, he might be running track,” said Knoblauch.

Max Reinhart was the top jumper, covering 108 centimetres, two more than Brendan Hurley.

Matt Fraser pumped out 34 bench presses, while there was a three-way tie for chin-up supremacy: Brock Montgomery, Hayden Rintoul and Ismond all got 23.

Rintoul had been the first of the three to go up.

“Maybe if I went last I could have pulled out an extra one,” he said, with a laugh. “It’s good to know you’re good at one of the things there, to be at the top.”

Rintoul said the fitness testing can actually be fun, as it appeals to the athletes’ competitive natures.

“Everyone’s in pretty good shape so it’s all pretty close. It’s more just bragging rights and trying to prove yourself to the coaches that you worked hard in the summer.”

Among the rookies, John Neibrandt was looking forward to the test, given the off-season work he’s done.

He played with the Ice through last year’s exhibition schedule before being released to the junior A Yorkton Terriers.

Neibrandt was one of the stronger rookies this time, but also proved to be one of the fastest. Somehow he got his 6-foot-5 frame to cover two miles in 12:45.

The 18-year-old was lapping fellow athletes, but he said running isn’t something that he particularly enjoys.

“I just put up with it for that 12 minutes. I just did a good job of it, I guess. You only have to do it once a year,” he said.

The rookies had to do their laps indoors at the Rec Plex, because of heavy showers outside. Aside from avoiding the odd pillar, Neibrandt had a singular focus.

“I just kept thinking about finishing strong and do what I came here to do, and that’s just make the team,” he said.

PRO CAMPS

Rintoul is hoping his efforts in the gym are noticed by the Florida Panthers.

He will be off to the NHL club’s training camp in a week, where he’ll get to perform yet more fitness testing.

After a paperwork snafu prevented him from going to Montreal Canadiens tryouts last fall, he’ll gladly do whatever the Panthers have in mind.

“It will be really cool and exciting,” he said. “Unfortunately I didn’t get to go last year, so hopefully I’ll get to go this year and show some stuff that I have and maybe they like me.”

Other Ice teammates who will be attending pro camp include: Brayden McNabb (Buffalo), Drew Czerwonka (Edmonton), Matt Fraser (Vancouver), Kevin King (Dallas), Steele Boomer (Chicago), Max Reinhart and Joey Leach (Calgary).

Last year’s turn of events were disappointing for Rintoul.

“It obviously sucked. I was really excited just like I am this year and wanted to do the same thing, try and prove myself. There was nothing I could really do about it.”

This time, he’s confident the appropriate paperwork is in the right hands.

“My agent was pretty crazy this time about making sure it was good for me so I’ll get the opportunity to go this year.”