By Allison Werbowetsky /

Only two days after the Broncos training camp hit the ice, coaches already see improvement in the returning players and potential in many of their rookie hopefuls.
It’s going to be all about a speedy offensive line, as Broncos scouts continued to search out fast feet and quick hands this year.
“The first thing I noticed with the team is the speed. That’s kind of the tradition and the way the scouts have looked at it, and that’s the way the team is built,” said new head coach Mark Lamb.
“Even within the first couple days, it’s been very noticeable.”
The training camp was Lamb’s first time seeing most the players skate, and he admits that for a player to catch his attention this early in the game, he would have to do something fairly spectacular.
“The kid that’s really caught my eye is (Evan) Richardson. He’s been absolutely amazing,” he said.
The 15-year-old forward from Nanaimo, B.C., was the Broncos first-round pick this year.
Although Richardson is too young to make the team this year, Lamb says he’ll be the one to watch for next season.
“I’m getting to know the team and having fun, and hopefully, I can come back next year feeling comfortable and confident,” Richardson said.
Second-round pick Shea Howorko, also 15 years old, is another strong forward expected to dominate next year.
The Broncos bid farewell to Keegan Dansereau, who was the team’s lead scorer last year, as well as goaltender extraordinaire Travis Yonkman. They can now only hope they can fill those voids this year.
“We think that up front we’ve got players like Justin Dowling and Cody Eakin we can expect to really carry the team offensively,” said assistant coach Tim Kehler.
“Whereas last year, I think a lot of our depth was geared toward our goaltending and our defensive strength. I think this year, we’re going to have more fire power and more scoring,“ he said.
It will be the battle of the 20 year olds this pre-season as well. With forward Matt Tassone still recovering from shoulder surgery — and most likely out on injury reserve until later this fall — Derek Claffey, Eric Doyle, Ryan Molle and Michael Strickland will have to compete for the remaining three spots.
Other big names this year include Broncos first-round pick in 2008, hot shot defenceman Reece Scarlett, strong, two-way centre Michael Hay, Geordie Wudrick, who dominated in scoring during the first day of camp, and 17-year-old speedy forward Dane Muench.