Smokies Announce Opening-Day Roster

Tyler Berkholtz will be one of four 20 year-olds up front for the 2012-13 Smokies (Randy Emery photo)

The Smoke Eaters have finalized their 2012-13 opening day roster five days ahead of the official start to the regular season in Chilliwack. As announced at the start of training camp, 20 year-old forward Garrett McMullen will serve as captain for a group that includes only 8 returnees from 2011-12.

For a full release issued on the part of the team, please visit the Smoke Eaters website here.

Here's a breakdown of who will sport the orange and black come this weekend at the Save-On Foods Showcase.

Forwards (13)
9 - Brent Baltus (1992, Nanaimo, BC)
11 - Anthony Conti (1995, Vancouver, BC)
12 - Tyler Berkholtz (1992, Penticton, BC)
14 - Dan Holland (1993, Woburn, MA)
16 - Mitchell Foyle (1996, Fruitvale, BC)
17 - Tanner Clarkson (1993, West Kelowna, BC)
18 - Bryce Knapp (1994, Fort Frances, ON)
19 - Alex Holland (1992, Woburn, MA)
20 - Brenden Heinrich (1994, Kimberley, BC)
21 - Scott Davidson (1995, Trail, BC)
22 - Adam Wheeldon (1994, Nelson, BC)
23 - Garrett McMullen (1992, Rochester, NY)
25 - Jake Lucchini (1995, Trail, BC)

Defensemen (7)
3 - Braeden Jones (1994, Edmonton, AB)
4 - Shane Poulsen (1994, Kamloops, BC)
5 - Joren Johnson (1994, Shoreacres, BC)
6 - Wayland Williams (1994, Canton, MI)
7 - Matt Alexander (1994, Thunder Bay, ON)
8 - Brandon Egli (1994, Victoria, BC)
10 - Djordje Leposavic (1992, New Westminster, BC)

Goaltenders (2)
33 - Lyndon Stanwood (1993, West Vancouver, BC)
35 - Braden Krogfoss (1995, Cloverdale, BC)

If last week's 4-day swing was any indication, this will (like last year), be a very tight group on and off the ice, and a talented bunch to boot. We'll find out for real starting at 6:30 PM Saturday when Trail faces Cowichan Valley in their Showcase opener.