Development camp is an exciting, memorable time for Matthew Seminoff

FRISCO, Texas --Like a lot of prospects, Matthew Seminoff decided to follow the draft from the comfort of his own home with his friends and family around him.
Though he was ranked 72nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final list heading into the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal, predicting where he might land in the annual seven-round event remained uncertain. So instead of making the trip, he and his family followed along on TV.

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"I was going into the draft with a fresh mind," he said. "I didn't have any expectations."
As each round went by, the chances of hearing his name diminished. But when the Stars made their pick with the 179th selection in the sixth round, Seminoff's life changed forever.
"I was just sitting on the couch," Seminoff said with a big smile. "It was kind of a long morning seeing the names go by. My family was there. It was a cool feeling to see it up there. Pretty big wave of emotions."
Seminoff said everything happened fast. Within seconds, he was on the phone with Stars GM Jim Nill, who officially welcomed him to the organization.
"To see my name on the board and get the call from Jim, it was such an honor," he said. "It's such a cool feeling and something you can't really describe. It's such a great organization. I'm just honored."

He worked his way into serious draft consideration with a solid season in Kamloops of the Western Hockey League. He was ranked 50th in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings and finished the season with a career-best 26 goals and 57 points in 64 regular-season games. He added nine points (six goals, three points) in 17 playoff games.
Seminoff caught the eye of Stars Director of Amateur Scouting Joe McDonnell and his staff.
"Real character kid," McDonnell said after the draft. "Hockey's in his blood. It's a 24/7-type thing. Him and [Logan] Stankoven are pretty tight and spend an awful lot of time after practice, in the weight room and on the ice doing extra things. He has to be a little bit more consistent, which will come, but his work ethic is what sets him apart."
Attending an NHL-run camp for the first time can be a lot to handle but having a familiar face and close friend in the locker room certainly helps. Seminoff said Stankoven reached out as soon as he heard the news.
"It was huge," said Seminoff. "He texted me right after. We played together the past few years, but I've known him for a long time through tournaments and playing in [British Columbia] together. It's super cool. He's such a great player, but he's a great person too. I used to live with him my first year in junior. To see his work ethic and attitude towards the game inspires me all the time. We motivate each other. He's a great guy to have and talk to."

Aside from being good friends, Stankoven praised Seminoff for the way he carries himself on and off the ice.
"I was super happy for him," Stankoven said. "He's a great player, but just the type of human he is off the ice, he's one of my best teammates and great buddies. Being able to have another teammate come to camp with me and be drafted, it's a good feeling. I see him as a steal. He's going to be a good player for us."
If there's a player Seminoff models his game after, Montreal's Brendan Gallagher might be the closest.
"I actually train with his dad right now, so I see [Brendan] around the gym all the time," Seminoff said. "I love his compete and work ethic along the boards. He's not a huge guy, but he's strong, solid and makes good plays down low. I'm not the flashiest guy, but I'll do whatever I can to help out the boys. Just try to bring that winning atmosphere and winning culture."

Away from the rink, the 18-year-old said he enjoys getting outside whenever he can. He's also picked up a few skills over time.
"I live in Vancouver, so it's nice to get outside," he said. "I love to get some fresh air. I just like to stay busy. I'm a pretty active person when it's nice out. My mom's Italian, so she loves to cook. I've learned some things from her, which is nice. I learned the guitar this year, but I'm not very good yet."
Though he was born in Leesburg, Virginia and grew up in nearby Ashburn, he and his family moved to Vancouver when he was around six years old. And with family in Michigan, Seminoff said he spends quite a bit of time in the U.S.
It's been a week of 'firsts' for the likeable Stars prospect, and certainly one he'll remember for quite some time.
"First time in Dallas and first time in Texas," he said. "It's pretty hot right now, but I love the area. It's been awesome. The facilities are awesome here. It's something I've never experienced before. I'm super happy, super proud and I'm trying to make the most of it."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.