Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Gone Camping

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In the month of July exists a hockey oasis for the best college players, a stopover in the spotlight that falls three months after the Frozen Four and three months before the start of the season.

Dozens of college players are participating in NHL teams? development or prospect camps, either suiting up for the teams that drafted them or upon invitation as free agents. It’s an opportunity to improve conditioning and skills during the summer, and showcase their talents to NHL teams.

For the NHL teams, it’s a chance to introduce players to a pro lifestyle.

“When 20- or 21-year-old kids enter the league they know how to play hockey,” said Pittsburgh Penguins assistant to the general manager Tom Fitzgerald, a Providence alum whose son has committed to Boston College, on penguins.nhl.com. “The hockey aspect takes care of itself. It’s the other stuff that we put a lot of value on. A big part of hockey is the mental side – that’s why we have professionals who come in, work with these guys and give them answers to things that might come up.”

For the players, it’s a learning experience and a development opportunity – something they can build on when returning to campus or embarking on their pro career.

“I’m just trying to have a lot of fun with it,” said defenseman Scott Mayfield, who is attending New York Islanders camp and will be at Denver in the fall. “I think it’s a great experience. Not a lot of kids get to do it. It’s nice meeting all the guys in the organization. That’s what I want to take from it.”