Being back to full health has Tyler Myers in a positive frame of mind.

Although a knee injury cut his season short last spring, Myers used the time to repair a hip issue that had been plaguing him for some time.

“It just got to a point where it was something we felt we needed to address,” said Myers, who is back for his second full season with the Winnipeg Jets after coming over in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres in February of 2015. “We took care of it and I'm glad that we did. It feels great now. The last two, three weeks have been the best its felt since the injury (occurred) a couple of years ago. I'm even happier with coming into camp healthy ”

Myers had nine goals and 27 points in 73 games with the Jets last season while averaging just under 23 minutes per game.

Although Myers is likely to be paired with Toby Enstrom this season, training camp presents the opportunity for him to possibly skate alongside fellow giant Logan Stanley.

Stanley, who was chosen 18th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, is 6-foot-7 and almost as tall as Myers, who is 6-foot-8.

“I would give advice to him and any guy, just come in with confidence and don't worry about what anyone else is thinking,” said Myers. “Just go out and play your game. With a big body like that, use it and use your reach. Focus on what the coaches say. Focusing on the little things is important for any player.”

FEELING HITS HOME FOR HOWDEN

Oakbank product Quinton Howden had a bit of an pinch-me moment this past week as the reality of his situation started to sink in.

“The other day it hit me, when we did our photos and I got the (Jets) jersey with my name on it,” said Howden, who signed a one-year deal with the Jets on July 1. “On my drive home that day, it hit me and it was surreal. It's hard to put words to it, but it's a dream come true. My excitement is through the roof, for sure.”

Howden is looking to earn a spot on his hometown team and finds himself in the heavy competition for one of the final forward spots on the roster.

“These young guys are coming up and making a name for themselves in the NHL so far and I want to do the same,” said Howden, who had six goals and 11 points in 58 games with the Florida Panthers last season. “I just have to show what I can do. I have some NHL experience, so if I work as hard as I can and show them what I've got, hopefully it all fills in.

“I loved it in Florida, but I don't think there's anything like playing in a Canadian market, let alone playing at home.”

The other two Manitobans taking part in Jets training camp are Brandon product Jordy Stallard, who was chosen in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft, and Winnipegger Peter Stoykewich, who is preparing for his second pro season after playing 2015-16 with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.

COPP READY FOR BATTLE

After spending his entire rookie season on the Jets roster, forward Andrew Copp finds himself in a battle to keep his job.

He might even have to move from his natural position of centre in order to do so, depending on how things play out over the next couple of weeks.

“I played a little bit of wing early on during my freshman year at Michigan,” said Copp, who left the Wolverines program after his junior season. “I'm definitely more comfortable at the centre position, but anything asked of me to do is what I'm willing to do.”

Copp, the Jets fourth-round choice in the 2013 NHL Draft, is looking to build on a strong finish to the season and confident he'll be able to hold off the competition.

“We've got a lot of guys in this room that have NHL experience and NHL aspirations and are legitimate contenders to be on the team,” said Copp, who had seven goals and 13 points in 77 games last season. “Being here last year maybe helps me in that aspect, but I still have to come in and prove my worth every day and continue to get better.

“You have to realize the situation you're in, but I feel like if I come in and do what I can do, do my job and be competitive, I can prove to Paul that I deserve to be on the team. That's what I'm here to do.”

Once Copp was added to the penalty kill around the midway point of the season and as his ice time increased, he found himself getting more involved.

“I found a way to get in the rhythm and flow of the game easier,” said Copp. “There's nothing like being out there. My confidence grew and it was kind of a snowball effect at that point.”

AROUND THE GLASS

A total of 53 skaters took part in on-ice testing at MTS Iceplex as the Jets officially opened training camp on Friday. The seven members of the Jets who were participants at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey have been given a few days off after their respective teams have been eliminated from playoff competition and there's no official word on when they're expected to be back on the ice at training camp ...

...Jets RFA D Jacob Trouba was invited to training camp, but isn't expected to participate without a new contract ...

...The Jets announced puck drop for two November games have been changed, with the Nov. 13 game against the Los Angeles Kings moved to 1 p.m. CDT and the Nov. 27 tilt against the Nashville Predators moved to noon. The CFL's Western and Eastern Conference finals are set for Nov. 13, while the Grey Cup takes place on the 27th.