CHL training camps are open and the 2016-17 season is just around the corner. Most of the CHL teams have announced their training camp rosters and training camp features several team scrimmages which are open to the public. Be sure to check your local teams web page for a chance to scout your local team. Prospects hockey has a convenient post which they are updating as announcements are made.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">*UPDATED* OHL Training Camp Rosters (Erie Added), <a href="https://t.co/ecqPsO1TzZ">https://t.co/ecqPsO1TzZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OHLHockey">@OHLHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OHLTrainingCamps?src=hash">#OHLTrainingCamps</a></p>&mdash; Mike Mackley (@Macker61) <a href="https://twitter.com/Macker61/status/770762159492038656">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Today was opening day for the Kingston Frontenacs and the opening scrimmage featured teams White and Black. It was a first look at some of the new faces including the Frontenacs two CHL import picks, Linus Nyman and Eemeli Rasanen.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Linus Nyman is the top scorer on Team Finland at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IvanHlinka?src=hash">#IvanHlinka</a> with 3-4-7 stats line. Skilled fwd will play for <a href="https://twitter.com/KingstonFronts">@KingstonFronts</a> this season.</p>&mdash; Finnish Prospects (@FINjrhockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/FINjrhockey/status/764131788490936320">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Linus Nyman was the teams first round pick at the CHL Import Draft this June. Nyman had an impressive showing at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament which kicks off the scouting season. Nyman is a 2017 draft eligible prospect. In my viewing of Nyman today he displayed his speed and high skill level, but at 5-9 and 143 pounds he will have some challenges against bigger players. Here is some more detailed scouting reports on Nyman:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/pharling">@pharling</a> Here's also a more detailed scouting report which I wrote in March about Linus Nyman. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2017NHLDraft?src=hash">#2017NHLDraft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OHL?src=hash">#OHL</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhNVKwMSkY">pic.twitter.com/VhNVKwMSkY</a></p>&mdash; Finnish Prospects (@FINjrhockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/FINjrhockey/status/750076666806931456">July 4, 2016</a></blockquote>

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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Linus Nyman goal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HlinkaMemorial?src=hash">#HlinkaMemorial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2017NHLDraft?src=hash">#2017NHLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/bcnkFdcMc6">pic.twitter.com/bcnkFdcMc6</a></p>&mdash; max marko (@MarkoTMMOTS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkoTMMOTS/status/764110604680519680">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>

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The Fronts second round pick from the import draft is also a Fin, but that’s where the similarities end. Eemeli Rasanen is a 6-6 205 pound defenceman. He is not fleet of foot but covers a lot of ice with his size and long reach. He was particularly effective at positioning players away from danger areas and an effective reach and wing span.

Another first look was at Kingstons first round pick from the 2016 OHL Priority Draft, Nathan Dunkley. Dunkley had a strong first game dishing out a hit on the 6-6 Rasanen and knocking the big man down.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Eemeli Rasanen 24 black takes a hit from Nathan Dunkley 58 white at Fronts scrimmage <a href="https://t.co/g5hFge9EEF">pic.twitter.com/g5hFge9EEF</a></p>&mdash; Peter Harling (@pharling) <a href="https://twitter.com/pharling/status/770791042551382016">August 31, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Dunkley also displayed some of his offensive skills after drawing a penalty was rewarded with a penalty shot.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rookie Nathan Dunkley denied on a penalty shot <a href="https://t.co/8hqKc7iwxW">pic.twitter.com/8hqKc7iwxW</a></p>&mdash; Peter Harling (@pharling) <a href="https://twitter.com/pharling/status/770741447209418752">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>

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Other standout players included 2017 NHL draft eligible forward Jason Robertson. Robertson was last summer’s training camp scoring leader and as a fourth round pick by the Fronts in 2016, was a surprise to make the team.  Robertson had a strong rookie season but looks stronger and more confident in todays scrimmage. Robertson controlled the play, made several impressive passes to set up teammates and rookies. He threw several big hits, made a very strong back check to take away a scoring chance (but drew a penalty which led to a penalty shot goal).

Stephen Desrocher (Toronto Maple Leafs) who was part of the Oshawa Generals Memorial Cup Championship will return to anchor the Kingston blueline and is by far and away the Fronts best defenceman. Desrocher has size, skill, smarts and is an excellent skater. He plays with poise on defence and seemingly has no panic button making consistent sound decisions. Offensively he has a heavy shot, makes strong breakout passes and can quarterback the power play.

The Peterborough Petes training camp scrimmage games will all be live broadcast for free over their mobile app

The QMJHL is a little further ahead and there have already been some preseason games. Two Chicoutimi Sagueneens players are tied for the preseason lead in scoring with 11 points each in Samuel Houde and Mathieu Desgagnes, both are 2000 born players.