Gulls Begin Camp Today With 29 Players on Roster

Twenty-nine players are expected to take part as the Gulls, San Diego’s International Hockey League franchise, open training camp today at the San Diego Sports Arena.

Players reported Tuesday and underwent physicals Wednesday.

Sessions will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. today and Friday, and there is an afternoon session today as well. Practices generally are closed, but Friday will include a scrimmage from 7-9 p.m. that will be open to the public at no cost.

Mike O’Connell, 34, and a 13-year veteran defenseman in the NHL, begins his first year as a professional coach. He was a player-assistant with Detroit--where he played four years--in the 1989-90 season. Before that, he played in Boston for six seasons.

Eleven of the 29 players have signed, including Charlie Simmer, formerly of the Kings and also an assistant coach. O’Connell and General Manager Don Waddell are expecting to keep 20-21 on the roster.

San Diego’s Steve Chelios and Edward Henson are in camp. Chelios attended Mt. Carmel High and played in West Germany last year, and Henson was a goaltender at U.S. International and compiled a 26-0-1 record with the semipro San Diego Surf for two seasons.

The Gulls open their season at home Oct. 5 against Salt Lake City.