The defending Ontario Conference champion Hamilton Hurricanes will open their Spring Camp this weekend under the watchful eye of veteran head coach Jason Hayes.

For the first time since 2011, the Hurricanes are the hunted coming into the CJFL season after beating Windsor in last year’s championship game.

Coach Hayes is expecting 35 veterans in camp this weekend and between 50-60 new recruits.  With that in mind he says his main goal is to evaluate their new players this weekend knowing he still has the opportunity to continue to recruit players throughout the summer to strengthen their team.

Coach Hayes likes having his veterans on the field with the fresh faces to offer leadership and continuity during the drills to create a winning atmosphere the coaches are looking for.

He hopes by the end of the weekend they want to know how their systems translates with the skills of their new recruits.   If something doesn’t work well, Hayes and the staff still have two months before their main camp opens.

Joining the Hurricanes coaching staff this weekend at camp are a few alumni including quarterback Matt Francis and defensive lineman Tyler Corbett.