The Central Plains Capitals are a little closer to being set for the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League season this week.

Their third try-out practice was last night at the PCU Centre, and head coach Brad Gnidziejko says the boys have been steadily improving since the first ice-time.

"I like the way they've come. The rust is starting to come off, the pace was quicker today. So you could see that there's some energy, and they're slowly coming along and we're getting closer to game-shape here."

The Caps are entered into an exhibition tournament next weekend. Gnidziejko says they'll be hitting the ice until then working at structure, and possible line combinations.

"Starting Saturday we're going to be getting the kids into lines and start to do some more system work, just to get the kids ready for tournaments coming up. We want to see them play in the positions they might find themselves in or they're comfortable in. So that's kind of the way we're going to go."

Gnidziejko adds they still have four goalies at camp, and some possible MJ hopefuls that could return to the club.