So far, so good for the Pelham Panthers.

The Panthers, who opened training camp three weeks ago and have split a pair of exhibition games, are on course according to head coach/assistant general manager Zac Rinaldo.

“I have expectations we needed to meet and in both those games we met those expectations so right now everything is going according to plan,” Rinaldo said.

Rinaldo, who is in his second season behind the bench, has modified training camp from last season.

“I think I learned my lesson last year,” he said. “I wanted them to test, to skate, to be in shape to where I thought I did too much in training camp last year. Toward end of season, got a lot of guys hurt and fatigued both mentally and physically.”

This time around, there has been no physical testing with twice a week practices and a scrimmage. 

“It wasn’t too taxing. I wanted to see who could understand the systems and could play within the structure and who could compete at a very high level,” he said. “The kids I brought in are U18 or already played junior up north or other leagues. I wanted to see how they were going to mold with my structure and my philosophy. I brought in kids who I have known for three or four years that I have been developing on my own time through my own business so I’ve known a lot of these kids for a long time.”

Rinaldo is putting the final touches on the roster in preparation for the season opener Thursday, Sept. 12 at Brantford and likes what he sees.

“Up front, I’m pretty confident we have our pieces. On the back end, we still have one or two decisions to be made,” he said. “On the goalie front, we have Patrick Sutherland in Flint and he has a great chance to make that team so I’m up in limbo to make decisions on goalies. It’s a fine line how to navigate that. It’s new to me, I’ve never experienced this before.”

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