Prospect Camp Starts Sunday

The Lightning's prospect camp - its first in years - is set to begin this Sunday, July 27 and run through August 3.

The Victoria News reports 2008 first overall pick Steven Stamkos will indeed be in attendance at the camp, along with several others, including recently acquired defenseman Ty Wishart and former first rounder Riku Helenius.

TampaBayLightning.com released the names of Lightning picks/property on the camp roster (there are 11 others set to attend):

Mark Barberio, D, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
David Carle, D (will not skate)
Justin Courtnall, LW, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
Luca Cunti, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Kyle DeCoste, RW, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Mitch Fadden, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Riku Helenius, G, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Torrie Jung, G, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Scott Jackson, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Alex Killorn, C, Harvard University (NCAA)
Chris Lawrence, RW, Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Matt Marshall, C/RW, University of Vermont (NCAA)
Kevin Quick, D, Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Andy Rogers, D, Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Paul Szcezechura, C, Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Michael Ward, D, Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)
Ty Wishart, D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
James Wright, C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

One notable omission is Spokane goaltender Dustin Tokarski, a 2008 4th round pick. Tokarski will be working out with Canada's top junior talent in the Canada WJC summer development program next week. Stamkos will skip the WJC program in order to attend Lightning camp - a sure indication of where he plans to start the season.

Hockeybuzz.com lists the following non-Lightning property invitees:

Anthony Grieco, G, 6'1"/187, Mississauga (OHL), Undrafted
Daryl Boyle, D, 6'1"/191, Brandon (WHL)/Norfolk (AHL), Undrafted (Norfolk contract)
Chris Kaufman, D, 6'2"/190, Robert Morris University (CHA)/Bakersfield (ECHL), Undrafted
Tyson Marsh, D, 6'1"/215, Columbia (ECHL)/Rockford (AHL), Undrafted
Luciano Aquino, RW, 5'10"/200, Fort Wayne (IHL), 7th round (210th overall, 2005)
Brady Leavold, RW, 5'11"/190, Swift Current/Kelowna (WHL)/Victoria (ECHL), Undrafted
Evan Pighin, RW, 6'0"/185, Chilliwack (WHL), Undrafted
Taylor Procyshen, RW, 5'9"/170, Tri-City (WHL), Undrafted
Andreas Vlassopoulos, LW, 5'11"/180, Colorado College (CUSA), Undrafted

"This is a great week for the players to get their first taste of what it means to be a member of the Lightning organization," Tampa Bay vice-president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said in a statement. "The camp's focus is on-ice skill development, off-ice training, nutrition, and, in general, what it takes and means to be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning."

The Grizzlies, home of Lightning prospect Justin Courtnall and owned by Lightning co-owner Len Barrie, are coordinating the camp along with the Lightning and Barrie's Bear Mountain Resorts - the location of the event.