Studnicka Enters Development Camp With 'Lofty' Goals

2018 Boston Bruins Development Camp is presented by AT&T.
BOSTON - A lot can change in a year.
In his first season in the OHL, an 18-year old Jack Studnicka recorded 18 goals and 34 assists to finish tied for second on the Oshawa Generals with 52 points in 64 games. The Bruins liked what they saw, choosing the 6-foot-1 center in the second round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
One year later, the Ontario-native is coming off a 72-point campaign in the OHL and now enters his second Bruins Development Camp brimming with confidence.

"Good, it's a little bit different this time," Studnicka said when asked about his comfort level at Development Camp this time around. "I'm not really taking a back seat here. I'm lucky to be a leader. I'm a lot more comfortable next to the older guys last year, so I'm looking to show some guys the way and let them know what it's all about."
Bruins Director of Player Development Jamie Langenbrunner has also seen significant growth in his game.
"I think he continued the upward swing," said Langenbrunner. "Leader, led the team, played with I don't know how many different guys in that lineup, guys up and down the lineup, kept on plugging. Came into Providence and put up a point a game there. If he wouldn't have gotten banged up there, he would have played more games down there.
"His year was strong, real strong. He looks to be even a little bit stronger physically from the end of the year in Providence until now. He's putting in the work and he wants to be a player."

Studnicka's focus as he continues to develop is on improving his physical strength.
"I think getting stronger over the summer," Studnicka said when asked about his goals leading into training camp. "You hear it all of the time with the younger guys, but a big part of my game, I want to start winning one-on-one battles. Being able to be relied on in big situations like face-offs to be strong. So, I think a big part of it is going to come in the gym this summer."
Langenbrunner praised Studnicka's current strength, while maintaining there is room for growth.
"He's strong, he's physically strong," said Langenbrunner. "Just in kind of watching quickly, he looks good. We'll see. It will tell when we're out there on the ice, he handled himself well in the American League. I'm sure he gets pushed once in a while. But his attitude is to come right back at it, so he's competitive. I think that makes up for some of the pure strength that he'll continue to grow as he gets older."
In addition to focusing on his physical strength, Studnicka is looking to display his leadership traits.
"I think I always try to implement leadership into my personality," he said. "So, it's something I really wanted to focus on coming in and it's been a good start."
Langenbrunner is impressed with the leadership qualities Studnicka has shown at an early age.
"I think you saw it today," said Langenbrunner. "He jumped up to the first spot in the line, he wants to be in charge, he wants to be an example. I think his place on the ice shows that. He's not the most vocal guy in the world. His attitude and the way he plays, he's a leading scorer, he's a playmaker, but I saw him on two occasions go and get in a fight protecting a teammate.
"He has it in him. It's just a natural thing for him. It's the reason he was named a captain as a young 18-year-old in [the OHL]. He leads by example every day."
Development Camp concludes on Friday, but the youthful Studnicka has his eyes on another camp in September.
"I am going in with the mentality that I want to make the big club," said Studnicka about training camp in September. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the NHL. Looking at the roster there are spots there that are up for grabs. I'm going to put my head down, go to work, and hope for the best.
"I think it's great that he wants to do that," Langenbrunner added when told of Studnicka's intention. "I think that's a lofty goal for him as a 19-year-old. Not a lot of 19-year-olds play in the National Hockey League. I wouldn't put it past him, he's a determined kid…If he's able to push and take that job, then great. I think [Don Sweeney's] spoken about that quite regularly. Whoever's ready is going to get the job."
It is still uncertain where Studnicka will be playing next season, but don't be surprised if a lot has changed in a year.