Thunder goaltender Tim Boron took shots last week for the first time since off-season surgery on both hips and looked “very good,” coach Brent Bilodeau said.
Boron had surgery on his left hip in March; surgery on the right hip was performed about a month later.
Bilodeau had a good look at Boron’s workout at the Wichita Ice Center; the former defenseman was the one shooting the puck.
“He’s feeling good, and he seems to be in good shape and he’s moving well,” Bilodeau said. “He’s just got to get that on-ice stamina and, obviously, that only comes from being on the ice.”
Boron’s full recovery will be key to the Thunder’s season. Boron (2.59 GAA, .926 SP) single-handedly kept the Thunder in many games last season.
Early arrivals: Chris McAllister, Jordan Little and Glenn DeTulleo also are already in town, even though training camp doesn’t start until Oct. 5. Bilodeau appreciates their enthusiasm.
“They’re here early, getting the lay of the land,” he said. “They’re excited, ready to go.”
Camp roster: The Thunder has 21 players on its current roster. Bilodeau expects the number to grow to 25 by the time camp begins. There are two goalies on the roster — Boron and rookie Scott Campbell — and Bilodeau said he plans to bring one more to camp.
Keep an eye on him: Forward Mike Kneeland will be a rookie to watch when camp opens. He comes highly recommended from former Thunder coach Derek Laxdal, a proven evaluator of young talent. Laxdal is now with Idaho of the ECHL. Kneeland played three games in Idaho last season. “He (Laxdal) had some good things to say about him,” Bilodeau said. “The kid’s got good potential. We’ll see.”