Dev Camp Diary: Soaking it All In

Development camp brings together the next wave of talent in the Kraken organization. This year, we're telling the story of each day's events through the eyes of a different participant.

The first time a player attends a development camp, there's a lot to soak in: new coaches; new "team" mates; even simple things like where to go for what you need. It's like drinking from a firehose. But once you figure things out, you can make sure you're getting exactly what you need to take your game and your career to the next level. That's exactly what second-year camp attendees Jagger Firkus and Ty Nelson are doing.

The third day of Kraken development camp focused on position-specific drills and off-ice workout techniques. But as much as coaches were putting players through their paces, Firkus and Nelson know this is a special time of access to AHL bench bosses to get the one-on-one direction they need.

"I was working with our D coach on a little thing and I went and asked (more questions about the drill)," Nelson said. "That's all it is, right? You don't usually get a lot of that kind of time with them.

"(The atmosphere is) just come and ask. I know maybe for the young guys it may be a little intimidating, but I know the coaches make it really open concept and they really tried to let us know 'if you have a question, come ask. Don't leave here with any unanswered questions.' It's really great."

Both Nelson and Firkus have signed entry-level contracts with the Kraken after coming off career seasons. Nelson set OHL career highs in goals (24), assists (52) and points (76) and tallied the most points of any defender in the OHL playoffs (25).

Firkus also had career highs in the WHL (40-48-88) and made his professional debut with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the post-season, playing one game. He's put in an impressive amount of work off the ice gaining almost eight pounds since last year's camp while maintaining his top tier energy level, speed and shot.

"You just want to make sure (the organization) sees you making progress," Firkus said. "I think every year if you're making progress, they'll be happy with you and I think coming to this camp I feel a lot better. I feel bigger. I feel stronger."

And with the ability to hone in on their skill work on and off the ice this camp, the two "veterans" now want to strengthen another ability: leadership.

Both have focused on making the newly drafted players feel welcome whether it's going first in a drill, helping to organize a drill, or simply introducing themselves and being available for any question that comes up.

"When you're more comfortable, it makes things a lot easier," Firkus said. "I think my job this year is make sure the '05 class, they get to come in and they get to experience that and going forward, they have the same kind of experience I did."

The desire to pay it forward came naturally after both players had the ability to be around the Firebirds during their playoff run. Nelson stayed with the team all the way through the final, and while he didn't get in a game, he echoed what Firkus had to say - that the work ethic, seeing what went into building a championship run is something that will stick with each player.

"(The Firebirds) made us a part of the team," Nelson said. "It could be difficult being a scratch and not playing but they were great about it and they made it so much fun and they included us in all the team activities and stuff like that. It was just a blast being down there. I was very grateful and honored to have that opportunity."

And setting the tone from a culture perspective means having a little fun, too. After "work" was done today, camp participants enjoyed some shopping and dinner in Bellevue and then they'll head back to their hotel - where camaraderie is coming through card games like euchre. And that includes some friendly wagers like who has to take the early bus the next day.

Tomorrow, a spikeball tournament is on tap to mark the Fourth of July and Nelson is already scheming to see if he and Shane Wright, who were in the finals of the same tournament last year, can run it back. Stay tuned for those results!