Devils Rookie Camp Underway | NOTEBOOK

The Devils kick off the lead up to the 2022-23 season with its Rookie Camp, bringing in 28 propsects to participate in physicals, practices, and games at the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. The camp is an opportunity to observe the development of future Devils players and see how the organization can support each player's development.
All Prospects Challenge games will be streamed on NewJerseyDevils.com in promotional partnership with MSG Networks. To view the full roster for this year's Rookie Camp,
click here
.

Back on the Ice

Thursday was the first opportunity for the Devils prospects to practice after going through physicals and testing on Wednesday. Practice was led by Utica Comets head coach Kevin Dineen, and other members of the Comets coaching staff. The on-ice session was focused on getting the team ready for its three Prospects Challenge games and following Thursday's skate, the team left for Buffalo to participate in the Prospects Challenge.

Setting the Tone

In an exclusive interview with Amanda Stein, Devils Director of Player Development Meghan Duggan discussed how the organization is expecting the prospects participating at Rookie Camp will "start our season as an organization off on the right foot" showing "we're an organization that's ready to go this year." For more on what the Devils management and coaching staff are looking for at this tournament, including who they might have their eyes on,
click here for the full article
.

Need For Speed

The Devils are known for having a quick team on the ice and that isn't limited to just the main roster. In the first practice of Rookie Camp, the pace was quick and players were ready to go from the jump. Reilly Walsh said following practice "I thought the pace was high, (Utica Comets head coach) Coach Dineen talks about pace and execution and I thought we were flying out there, making good plays, and I think we're going to be good this weekend with our speed and our physicality and I like what we're doing."

Here to Mentor

Several Rookie Camp attendees have spent extensive time in the AHL or had a cup of coffee in the NHL, so there is a strong veteran presence in the locker room. These players take their responsibility seriously which shows the supportive culture that's being built in New Jersey. Goaltender Nico Daws played 25 games with the Devils last season and said the work ethic is something he's trying to teach the newer players.
"A lot of it is just the work ethic. I've been around (the main club) in that dressing room and see how hard they work so I try to bring that here," Daws said. "If anybody has any questions they can bounce it off me, I'm an open book with these guys."

In Their Words

Nico Daws, Alexander Holtz, Reilly Walsh, and Meghan Duggan all talked about camp following Thursday's practice. Their full interviews are linked below.
- Nico Daws Interview - Reilly Walsh Interview - Alexander Holtz Interview - Meghan Duggan Interview