The Ontario Hockey League franchise begins its training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 26, just a day after hitting the links for its inaugural golf tournament. While there are still some "irons in the fire" as the team gears up for training camp, general manager Dave Brown said so far he likes what he sees coming into training camp.

"We've lost a lot of scoring, but when you look at the league there's a lot of teams that did," said Brown in an interview. "It's one of those years where you look around the league and there is going to be an opportunity for some of these young kids to be leaders."

Niagara is a prime example. On offence, the team lost its top three scorers in Luca Caputi, Michael Swift and Jordan Foreman. They also have to replace the void left by power forward Stefan Legein, who despite missing games due to injury and a stint with the Canadian World Junior team, finished fifth in team scoring.

Now, however, in addition to looking to fill gaps with potential new players, Brown will be looking at some of the younger players like Andrew Agozzino, Niagara-on-the-Lake native Alex Friesen and Chris DeSousa.

"I've learned you never know what the guy with seven points last year can do," said Brown, specifically noting Caputi and Legein had scored less than 10 goals two seasons ago but ran with the torch when provided the opportunity.

"It's a changing of the guard. We have to give our younger guys an opportunity to play and score goals," said Brown.

Agozzino and Friesen will be coming into their sophomore season, and Brown has high hopes for each, including hometown boy Friesen.

"He's got a competitive edge that speaks for itself," he said. "He has the potential to do it."

Brown is also looking forward to what first rounder Freddie Hamilton can do this season as a rookie.

"I think he's going to be a pleasant surprise to everybody. This guy is a young kid, but he can really play," said Brown.

The IceDogs traded a draft pick to the Kingston Frontenacs for Thomas Middup two weeks ago. He is expected to make the lineup this season and be a top-nine forward.

Two other new additions will likely be import draft pickups goalie Max Engelbrecht and forward Marco Insam. Engelbrecht, a 6'2, 190 lbs. Germany native, and Insam, a 19-year-old who played with the Italian First Division's Milano Vipers, arrive in Niagara August 15.

"My expectation for these guys is they'll be ready to crack the lineup," said Brown.

Engelbrecht could be a factor in helping determine what happens at a position with one of the biggest question marks -- goaltender. Sebastian Dahm was an overager last year and is ineligible to return, and backup Luc Lobsinger is not returning.

Brown did say the IceDogs are in discussions with an experienced goaltender, however.

"We've got so many irons in the fire right now, we're just waiting to see what camp brings," he said.

They will also bring in youngsters Mark Visentin and Brendan Gorecki.

"We want to give them an opportunity to make the hockey team as well," said Brown.

All overagers, and a number of free agents will also be invited to camp this year. Ultimately, there will be some spots for players to compete for during camp, said Brown.

"We want to make sure it's high intensity and filled with guys working their tail off," he said.

One area that Brown is pleased with going into camp is the defence.

"I think our back end speaks for itself," he said, adding veterans like Drew Schiestel, who is expected to return this season, will help play a key role.

Alex Pietrangelo's fate will be up in the air. He will be attending the St. Louis Blues camp, after being drafted by the NHL club fourth overall in the entry draft earlier this summer.

On-ice workouts for the IceDogs begin Aug. 27, with the exhibition schedule opening Aug. 30 in Jamestown, N.Y., against the Erie Otters. They host the Oshawa Generals for the first home game of the exhibition season on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m.

The regular season opens at home on Saturday, Sept. 20, as the IceDogs welcome the Ottawa 67s.

EXHIBITION TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets for the IceDogs' home exhibition games went on sale Monday.

There is reserved seating for all three home games at Jack Gatecliff Arena, with premium and end seats $10 and standing room tickets available for $8.

Tickets will be available through the customer service desk at the Pen Centre, at the IceDogs office at 35 Queen St. in St. Catharines (during regular business hours), or through Ticketmaster.

Flex-packs for the 2008-2009 regular season are also available, with six or 12-ticket packages available. Tickets start at $93 for a six pack or $180 for the 12-pack. Season tickets are also available.

Single tickets for the regular season will be available as of Aug. 27. Prices will be $18 for premium, $17 for ends, and $13 for standing (which will be allocated this year as opposed to general admission).