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Five players to watch heading into Day 2 of the #GotGame Open Trials in Alberta

CALGARY — More than 200 Canadian Premier League hopefuls began Thursday’s #GotGame Open Trials in Alberta, the penultimate stop on the league’s ongoing coast-to-coast talent search.

The list has been trimmed ahead of Day 2 in Calgary, with some trialists setting themselves apart after the first set of small-sided contests and physical testing.

The league’s coaches selected 63 players to advance to Friday — which will feature 11 vs. 11 games to provide the league’s bench bosses a better opportunity to evaluate players who could received an invite to preseason camps.

Here are five players who caught the eyes of CPL coaches on Day 1 out west.

Tyrin Hutchings during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk/CPL)
Tyrin Hutchings during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk/CPL)

TRIALIST NO.: 1245

Tyrin Hutchings, 25

POSITION: Defender

NATIONALITY: Canadian

SCOUTS SAY: The Mount Royal University product was known to local scouts entering Day 1 of the Alberta trials and showed well in small-sided games. Scouts referred to Hutchings as a “ball-moving centreback” who has “good composure and distribution.” One scout highlighted his ability to read the game, referring to the defensive stalwart as a player with “high IQ for the game.” Hutchings has professional playing experience in Sweden.

Nick Moon during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk/CPL)
Nick Moon (L) during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk/CPL)

TRIALIST NO.: 1293

Nick Moon, 22

POSITION: Forward

NATIONALITY: American

SCOUTS SAY: Moon showed well as a “big, strong” striker, according to scouts at Thursday’s Open Trials. In addition to having the physical attributes to potentially play at the next level, the former UW Milwaukee standout was described as having a good work rate. “He scores goals,” one talent evaluator added. He “looked the part” among hundreds of players vying for spots on Day 2.

Jon Stadler during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk photo)
Jon Stadler (R) during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk photo)

TRIALIST NO.: 927

Jon Stadler, 22

POSITION: Defender

NATIONALITY: American

SCOUTS SAY: Talent evaluators singled out Stadler as one of the top prospects on Day 1 in Alberta. The UW Milwaukee defender — a teammate of Nick Moon —  was described as athletic, both-footed and a good communicator. He made the space big in possession before closing down opposing attackers when the ball turned over. Stadler’s physical fitness was a level above the majority of trialists on Day 1.

Canadian Premier League Trials (Mike Sturk photo)
Quincy Aimime during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk photo)

TRIALIST NO.: Quincy Aimime

Quincy Aimime, 21

POSITION: Midfielder

NATIONALITY: Canadian

SCOUTS SAY: A No. 6 who, at times, tries to play like a No. 8, Aimime was heralded on Day 1 has a tough tackler who controls the pace of the game while directing traffic in front of him. One scout singled out Aimime for his vision and distribution. He gets it and gives it, exactly what you’re looking for in a holding midfield player.

Canadian Premier League Trials (Mike Sturk photo)
Aribim Pepple (R) during Day 1 of the Open Trials in Calgary. (Mike Sturk photo)

TRIALIST NO.: 882

Aribim Pepple, 16

POSITION: Midfielder

NATIONALITY: Canadian

SCOUTS SAY: One of the youngest players to attend these Open Trials, Pepple was billed as “one for the future” on Day 1 in Alberta. The Calgarian was described as “very young but a prospect who plays ahead of his years.” The “fast, natural goal-scorer,” according to one talent evaluator, can play as a No. 8 or 9. Most admirably, Pepple was mentioned as a player who “works for his teammates.”