Newhook's Playoff Experience Put to Use in Development Camp

Alex Newhook, selected 16th overall by the Avalanche in 2019, has shown up motivated after a summer of training. With development camp off to the races and the rookie tournament quickly approaching, Newhook's experience and preparation will be an asset as young players look to prove themselves.
"I think it's a great experience and a great opportunity to get in here and be involved with rookie camp. You know, get my legs under me as well as everyone else here to get comfortable being in Denver," said Newhook.
In eight playoff games for the Avalanche last season, the St. John's, Newfoundland, native registered a goal and an assist. When asked about the competitive advantage that type of experience gives a player, the forward shared some details.

"I don't know if it's an advantage, I think everyone's coming off a summer and everyone's hungry, but having a bit of experience definitely helps," he said. "It's nice getting in here, knowing the staff, knowing what to expect heading into main camp and the season. Having some NHL experience and knowing what it's like, I think now I know where I have to be to get there and stay there."

In response to the same question, director of player development Brian Willsie was not as modest.
"I think it's a competitive advantage for them. They are getting into what we call 'live bullets.' They are in games next weekend and heading into NHL training camp," said Willsie. "They've already had 10-12 days of full, high-paced action. Anytime you can get that before you go into an NHL training camp, it's an advantage for them."
Although Newhook had some reps in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, this is his first experience competing in a rookie tournament as he began the previous two seasons at Boston College.

While he wants to be an impact player at the 2021 Arizona Rookie Faceoff, making the opening night roster is his top goal. Even still, being a mentor for those younger prospects remains on his priority list.
"Obviously my goal is to make the opening roster, so that's my mindset even at rookie camp here," said Newhook. "I'm trying to make an impression and establish myself early and help the younger guys as well with their first camps, even though it's kind of mine too. I think being around the organization and helping the younger guys is a big part of it for me too."
With the new season right around the corner, Newhook will look to continue to grow through the Avalanche camps and use his previous experiences to make waves both on and off the ice.