TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City North Stars coach Anthony Palumbo expects to have his roster set after this weekend's three-day training camp at Centre ICE.
Some 44 players, including six goalies, will be competing for up to 25 roster spots on the North American Hockey League team.
"Everybody that has a chance to make the team will be here," Palumbo said.
The camp, which starts today, concludes Sunday with a Blue and White All-Star game.
"The team will be picked after that," Palumbo said.
The season opener is Sept. 12 at Janesville, Wis.
Three injured veterans, who are expected to be key contributors this season, will be unable to compete in camp.
"Kyle Jean (22 goals, 21 assists last season) had rotator cuff surgery in the off-season," Palumbo said. "He will not be ready until the middle of November. It goes without saying we have big plans for Kyle.
"Chris Heineman (a defenseman) had to have hip surgery. He's been a mainstay. He'll be out until February or March. They basically had to reshape his hip, without going into a lot of detail.
"Nick Shkreli (12 goals, 32 assists) is a player we picked up from Mahoning Valley as a free agent. He broke his hand in the playoffs against us and had to have surgery. He'll be ready in mid-August."
The North Stars, who finished 34-17-7 last season, will need to replace goalies C.J. Motte and Brandon Stephenson.
"We've got a bunch of good young goalies coming in," Palumbo said. "It's up for grabs. We like who we have coming in, but nobody is proven as of yet."
Motte was 22-9-2 with a 2.30 goals-against average while Stephenson was 12-8-5 with a 3.21 goals-against average. Motte is now playing in the United States Hockey League this season.
"Our goaltending was very strong last season," Palumbo admitted. "Brandon and C.J. did a great job for us. You look at the successful teams from the NHL to the NCAA to juniors, and if you have a good goalie you'll make some noise."
A number of forwards return from last season, including Eric McLintock, Garrett Thompson, Dan Radke, Josh Miller and Tim Opie. The North Stars also picked up another forward from Mahoning Valley in Doug Clifford.
"He had a good year until he broke his foot late in the season," Palumbo said.
The North Stars lost leading scorer Kyle Bonis, who will be playing at Ferris State. Bonis produced a point a game -- 30 goals and 27 assists in 57 games.
"Do we have a natural goal scorer like a Kyle Bonis?" Palumbo asked. "Maybe not. But I think we have a chance to be more balanced. I think we could have three scoring lines this season."
Jean was originally set to play at Lake Superior State this season, but returned to the North Stars after injuring his shoulder.
"When he comes back that will be a big plus," Thompson said.
Thompson said he expects a spirited camp.
"I expect everybody to come in ready to go," he said.
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