The Kimberley Dynamiters signed three rookies out of their prospects camp last weekend in Cranbrook, all while strengthening bonds to its alumni.

The Nitros inked High River's Colton Vannucci, who led midget scoring in the South Central Alberta Hockey League last year.

Kimberley also signed Riley Stishenko and Connor Kutzner, who led the Cranbrook Ice to the 2011 tier II midget provincial championship.

Vannucci's signing gives the Dynamiters the SCAHL's top two scorers from last year. Both he and Taylor McDowell had 26 assists, but the Albertan finished with two more goals (34) to win the scoring crown.

"As a GM, I can find big, tough guys," said Rick Allen. "It's finding those skilled guys (that's difficult) and we're really happy to have Colton."

Vannucci - who will also try out for the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats - skated alongside Nitros alumni Sam Mellor and Corey Allen last weekend at the Rec Plex. Their scouting report: Vannucci is slippery.

"You can't hit him," said the general manager. "When you get on that big ice surface up in Kimberley, he'll be that much more dangerous."

Allen said coach Roman Vopat is very excited to have added Vannucci's skill.

The coach is also bullish on Stishenko's competitiveness, and Kutzner's size and drive.

"Those are big things that we were lacking last year," said Allen.

"Those two guys played big roles for the team when they went on to win the B.C. championship. They were part of what I think is one of the most competitive (Cranbrook) teams in recent memory in SCAHL midget. I coached there and have followed it, and that's a tough, tough league to play in."

Allen said the pair's character and familiarity with winning make them ideal candidates.

Both suited up for the Nitros last season, as affiliates.

"We want to make sure if we're AP-ing kids, that they continue on in the organization," said Allen. "They deserve the chance to play, and they're going to get every opportunity to play."

In all, 54 athletes took part in the camp, which Allen said was a boon for identifying prospects and was well received by participants.

There were plenty of familiar names sprinkled among the youngsters, with former Nitros like Darrell Boldon, Tory Caldwell, Kris Snopek and several more taking part.

Allen said he's trying to promote that link between players former and current.

"Young kids can see that, by coming through Kimberley, that it is part of the road to success," said Allen.

Several players from last year's team were present, although they're looking to move on and up in the hockey world. They include: Senate Patton (Okotoks Oilers), Ollie Dickson (Tri-City Americans), Jordan Revie (Trail Smoke Eaters), Bryce Perpelitz (Alberni Valley Bulldogs), Lane Koentges (Merritt Centennials), and Sandro Moser (Selkirk College Saints).

Allen recently received an e-mail from Rick Soo, who has signed with a professional team in Japan.

"He wasn't able to make it, but he's going to send us a jersey and we want jerseys from these other kids for us to raffle off," said the GM. "The legacy starts to build so (alumni) want to come back. If they want to come back, then we're going to get other kids that want to come."

Dynamiters' main camp will begin Sept. 2 in Kimberley.