Eric Wellwood's first waking thought each day is always the same.

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WARM UP: Windsor Spitfires forward Taylor Hall works out Wednesday at Windsor Arena.

Photograph by : Star photo: Dan Janisse

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"I think about playing in the NHL," the 18-year-old centreman for the Windsor Spitfires said.

When the Toronto Maple Leafs came calling with an invite to attend their training camp, he wasn't about to quibble over how they dumped his brother Kyle earlier this summer.

"I don't think there's any awkwardness but there's a little irony," he said.

"I'm a hard-worker," Wellwood said. "I think they've heard about my work ethic and I'm going to demonstrate it."

When the Spits' training camp open-ed this week, assistant coach D.J. Smith tabbed defenceman Harry Young and Wellwood as the two fittest players on the team.

"It took a lot of hard work and when you get recognized for that, it's always nice," he said.

Kyle Wellwood's commitment to fitness was always in question during his tenure with the Leafs.

Eric plans to separate himself from any guilt by association.

"I think I got into that a little bit," he said.

"I enjoy (working out). It's a job that I love to do."

Wellwood, a fourth-round OHL pick in 2006, leaves for the Leafs' camp Sept. 11.

"I try not to give myself any expectations," he said.

"I'm going to go in with an open mind because I don't know what to expect."

THAT'S ENOUGH Mitch Cain, a 10th round draft pick in 2008, left camp after getting caught twice with his head down and taking two punishing open-ice hits during Tuesday's morning scrimmage.

"He was pretty banged up," Spits coach Bob Boughner said.

Listen up Boughner was not happy with the effort of some of the veterans Tuesday and he let them know.

"Some of them didn't have such a great day and we talked to them about it," he said. "They were too laid back, taking things for granted."

Boughner said the effort was better Wednesday, in particular for Wellwood, who had a hat trick in the morning scrimmage game and Adam Henrique, who had two goals.

Earlier in the week, Boughner warned against complacency on a veteran-laden team, which would appear to have few openings on the roster.

"This camp isn't just a formality," he said. "There's going to be some battles out there. If anybody takes it for granted, anybody who is on the line or just wore our jersey last year, they're in trouble. We're looking for the guy who wants it more, the character guys."

Boughner said the team has one opening on defence, one or two at forward and one in net.

HIGHLIGHT REEL Newcomer Dale Mitchell started camp with a bang.

Acquired in the off-season from the Oshawa Generals, he had five goals over two scrimmages Tuesday and leads all Spits with six points.

"Making a statement like that was the highlight of the day," Boughner said.

FIRST CUT The coaching staff will make their first round of cuts following tonight's annual Blue and White game.

While training camp has been held at Windsor Arena, the Blue-White game is a 7 p.m. start at Tecumseh Arena.

Admission is $5 with $1 donated to the Windsor Spitfires Foundation.

mcaton@thestar.canwest.com or 519-255-5777 ext. 414