Five Takeaways: Day 3 of Prospects Development Camp

Friday marks the end of the traditional workweek, but Carolina Hurricanes Prospects Development Camp rolls on.
Here are five takeaways from the third day of Prospects Development Camp.

1. Back on the Ice
With just one on-ice session on the docket for Friday, the Hurricanes prospects hit the ice as a team for a practice at 10 a.m. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said he noticed a difference in today's skate compared to the first day on the ice, fatigue aside.
"You can see the guys are getting way more comfortable," he said. "They're talking and communicating and getting to know each other. That's what it's all about."
"This week has been great. I love development camp, especially seeing old friends and old faces," goaltender Jack LaFontaine said. "I love being on the ice. Taking a little bit of time off, you really miss it. Working with Balesy (Mike Bales) and Paul (Schonfelder) has been awesome."

The ultimate goal of the week is to learn. For the staff, they learn about each individual prospect, where they are in their development and where they need to be headed. For the players, they learn what's expected of them and what they need to improve upon heading into the upcoming season.
"Day one, we didn't do any teaching. We just let them get their feet wet. We slowly did some split groups. That's what we like: working one-on-one with players," Brind'Amour said. "You're just trying to give them something to go home with, something to go back with. One little thing they can add to their game."
"I think you learn a little something about yourself, like how you rank up against others," LaFontaine said. "The coaches are huge helps. Almost every one of these guys has won a Stanley Cup or been a part of it. I just learn a little more about the attitude and personality you need to have to be an NHL player."
Swivel Vision glasses
was one learning tool Mike Bales and Paul Schonfelder used with their goaltenders at times this week. The eyewear helps goalies track the puck with more efficiency, precision and speed.
"I've never worked with those before. They looked goofy, but they're really good," LaFontaine said. "The idea behind it is instead of just reaching with your hands, you lean into it with your shoulders and your head trajectory. It's all really new stuff. … I think we have a leg up … just because we can build good habits now."
2. Luostarinen Takes the Spotlight
One of the last drills in Friday's on-ice session shrank the ice to the neutral zone where play was, at most, 3-on-3. In a 2-on-2 battle, Finnish forward Euutu Luostarinen stole the puck and went through the legs for the goal.

"We love to see that stuff. You have to have creative players who have the confidence to do that stuff," Brind'Amour said. "Whether it will work in a game or not, who knows, but I like the fact that it's in his repertoire."
Though neither found the back of the net, the Martin Necas vs. Morgan Geekie 1-on-1 showdown was something to behold, as well.

3. Hitting the Field
The prospects took their Friday afternoon workout to NC State's Close-King Indoor Practice Facility, certainly a change of scenery (and temperature) from the majority of this week's proceedings.

"[Brind'Amour] is intense. That's good. That's the expectation for the NHL level. He's really big in fitness. Fitness has been a huge emphasis this week. He's been great," LaFontaine said. "The practices have been awesome. Away from the rink, he's a good person. Everyone here is a good person. This organization is going in the right direction."
4. An 'Epic' Connection
Having Epic Games in your backyard (and the co-founder on board as a minority investor) is something the Hurricanes used to their advantage this week by holding their team-building event at the gaming company's headquarters in Cary. Epic Games, of course, developed the insanely popular "Fortnite."

"Me and Geeks (Morgan Geekie) - that was our thing to do in Tri-City," Jake Bean said on Thursday. "We're both looking forward to it."
"I am awful," LaFontaine admitted. "I literally just hide in a bush because I'm so scared to get shot or anything in that game."

"I didn't really know what that was until I read it on the itinerary," Brind'Amour said. "I get humiliated by my six-year-old playing this stuff, so I'm not getting involved."
5. Setting the Stage
This week has been building towards Saturday's finale: the Canes Prospect Game, which will feature the prospects in as close to a game-like atmosphere as possible.
"You have to make it fun," Brind'Amour said. "These guys have worked hard this week, and I want them to enjoy their last game. I expect them to play hard."

Competition is never a bad thing.
"It's a competitive game. The only way we're going to get anywhere is if we approach it that way and fight for inches. That's the way we're going at it this year," Brind'Amour said. "This is a competitive game, and there's one way to play."
"Tomorrow is the best part of this camp. Everyone is having fun, but the attitudes are very competitive. No one wants to lose," LaFontaine said. "Yeah, we're having fun. But at the same time, you see a little hack there, a little cross-check here, a little blocker in the back of the knee. It gets intense out there because we're all competitive, and we want to leave a good impression."
Up Next
The Summerfest Celebration will cap this week in grand fashion on Saturday. The free event officially begins at 10 a.m. at PNC Arena, but there is an equipment sale that begins earlier. The Summerfest Celebration will feature an autograph session, the Canes Prospect Game, a State of the Hurricanes discussion, a live recording of CanesCast and much more.
Click here
for more information and a full schedule.