Development Camp Day 2 Recap

The Abbotsford Canucks coaching staff led the charge of forty players at development camp, including first-round pick Tom Willander, and third-rounders Hunter Brzustewicz, and Sawyer Mynio. There were on-ice sessions for both defencemen and forward groups, separately and together, as well as weight room sessions.

Abbotsford Canucks head coach Jeremy Colliton said day two is focused on getting the players familiarized with playing at a faster speed and puck protection.

"I thought we had a really good pace, it's an eye-opener especially for really young guys to see where they have to get to," Colliton said, adding that there was some rust to work off, but the energy was there. "I thought they were committed, they were engaged."

Guest skills coach, Allie LaCombe, specializes in edgework and helped the players apply that in the board work and puck protection drills. She's enjoying being able to break down the finite details of the game.

"The game is fast nowadays that the difference between good and great is very slim. If I can make you one percent better in a certain area - a little bit faster, or use your edge a little bit cleaner - and it gives you a second or two more time with the puck on your stick, that's my goal."

Abbotsford Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson explained their development camp is an opportunity for players to be open about what they need help with - whether that's weightlifting programs and diet, or on-ice skills.

"We want them to be vulnerable to their deficiencies, so we can work at it, and then also keep improving what they're really good at," he said.

"We want them to leave here full of knowledge and knowing our resources and what our organization is about, but also who they can rely on to get better at their craft."

Day three is Monday July 3 at the University of British Columbia.