In case there hasn’t been enough change around the Ontario Reign, here’s one more: Training camp will be closed to the public this year.
Players are due to report Wednesday for physicals and on-ice activities are scheduled to begin Friday at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The first three camps were conducted (at least in part) at Center Ice Arena on Plum Street in the old “downtown” Ontario.
If you’ve ever skated at Center Ice Arena, you’ll know the quality of ice is not as high as that of CBBA. Plus, players probably won’t mind not having to pack their equipment into their cars, and drive four miles each way just to do on-ice conditioning and drills.
While I wait for the official explanation for the move, I’m curious to know from fans: Would you rather get your first look at the team running drills at Center Ice Arena? Or would you rather know they’re tucked away in their own rink on the better ice surface?