"Last year coming out of Jr. A, it was a pretty big step up in competition coming straight into an NHL Development Camp," he said following this morning's on-ice session. "I think I handled it well but knowing what to expect this year and being more familiar with the process definitely helps prepare you to maximize your time here."
With one camp in Ottawa under his belt already, Bernard-Docker has seen the impact that this week can have on a prospect's development, especially when it comes time to take this information back with him to the University of North Dakota in the fall.
"I think the biggest takeaway for me from last year's Development Camp was how to act like a pro. Being around the trainers and development coaches, it's such a professional environment," Bernard-Docker said. "Whether it's in the gym or on the ice, you just have to try to absorb as much as you can while you're here and that's what I did last year before going back to North Dakota."
Bernard-Docker finished his freshman season with the Fighting Hawks recording 17 points (5G, 12A) in 36 games which was tied for the scoring-lead among UND defenders last year. The ties between the Senators and North Dakota continue to strengthen with fellow 2018 draftee Jonny Tychonick set to return for his sophomore season as well as 2019 32nd overall selection Shane Pinto committed to join them this fall.
"It's always nice to have some familiar faces around," said Bernard-Docker about his North Dakota teammates being a Development Camp with him this week. "I just met Shane the other day and he seems like a really good kid so I'm looking forward to playing with him this year. It's really a feather in the cap of the coaching staff at North Dakota and the way they run their program to see so many of us end up in NHL organizations, especially here in Ottawa."
