Howden Prospect Journal Entry 2: MSG, WTC and a Cruise

It's hard to believe there's just one day left at camp, but it's been such a great experience with the Rangers in New York.
My teammates and I dipped our toes into the modeling world on Tuesday. We went into a room and got our hair and makeup done - my first time getting dolled up - before getting put into different shirts and jerseys for the shoot. The staff were so friendly and showed us what to do and how to pose.
It was my first time in front of the camera, but I'm not sure about all the Swedes in camp, as they all came off like naturals. I can't wait to see some other pictures.

Wednesday was a busy day. After scrimmaging in Westchester, we took the bus down to Manhattan for a tour of Madison Square Garden. It was complete with welcoming messages on the video screens to a highlight package that got everyone pumped.
We made our way down to the locker room and got to sit in player stalls, looking at the lounge and weight room before heading up to see all the exhibits throughout the arena. You can't help but let your mind wander a bit, especially inside the room where you start to picture yourself sitting there with your teammates getting ready for a game. I can't wait for that moment, but I know there's a lot of work to be done between now and then.
The arena itself was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I've heard stories about it, but they didn't do it justice. I can't wait to call it home.
From there we got back on the bus to head downtown. I couldn't believe how many cars and people there were. The whole time I was waiting to see an accident, but luckily none came.
We got down to the World Trade Center to visit the memorial and tour the museum. It was really moving to see everything first hand. I was just a kid on 9/11, but throughout the years I've seen videos and we learned about it in school, but seeing it up close put things into perspective, especially seeing the faces of those lost. It was so impactful.

We closed the night out with a cruise around New York City with Rangers fans. It was a blast getting to know them and some other people within the organization. It was cool to see the city from the water, and I had no idea that New Jersey and Brooklyn were so close. Seeing the Statue of Liberty made all of us who had never been there feel like we were in Disneyland.
I've said this before but it's amazing to see how passionate Rangers fans are. I saw it for the first time on Friday at the draft party and again last night. They have such a love for the team and they stand behind it. I can't wait to perform for them.
We were back on the ice this morning for another scrimmage. It's been a tiring week but one we've all enjoyed. We've all worked hard and these scrimmages to close out the camp have been a lot of fun and have had a good pace to them.
I feel I've shown myself well this week, but there's always more you can do. For the most part, though, I've showed who I am as a player and a person, and that was my goal coming in.
I'll check back on Friday after camp wraps up.
- Brett