The shortest off-season in 30 years is at an end as the Saskatoon Blades opened on-ice training camp sessions Friday morning at SaskTel Centre.

A total of 77 players, split into four groups, have begun the Kirkness Cup scrimmage tournament. Of the 77 players, 42 are forwards with 26 defencemen and nine goaltenders. The teams are named after franchise legendary players Gerry Pinder, Bernie Federko, Norm Maracle and Wade Belak. Camp runs through Sunday and is open to the public. Following are media scrums with first year Head Coach Dan Da Silva (pictured at right), President and General Manager Colin Priestner (pictured at left), left winger Brandon Lisowsky and goaltender Evan Gardner…..