Read the rest of my development camp coverage:
Day 1 Notebook / Quotebook
Day 2 Notebook
Day 3 Notebook
Day 4 Notebook
The Carolina Hurricanes 2023 Prospects Development Camp closed out on Thursday, its fourth day of sessions.
The Canes hosted 23 players in a variety of on-ice and off-ice trainings and held multiple informational sessions on nutrition, cooking, mental health and more all culminating in some game action on Thursday,
Following the game, the prospects spoke with The Hockey News about their experiences. Here's what they had to say:
Rod Brind’Amour
On the purpose of development camp: These camps are more for the kids to come in and get a taste of what it’s like to be here and just meet everyone and get familiar with the next step in their journey. So you’re not really evaluating too much. You kind of try not to in a way. You just want to get an idea, get to learn about them, have some familiarity both ways and then send them out of here with a plan of how to get better. That’s really it.
On areas of growth for the prospects: All these kids are still teenagers for the most part. They’re not even close to the physical maturity that they’re going to get and that they’re going to need to play with the men. That’s pretty simple. There’s a couple of outliers here and there that can do it and we’ve had one in the past, but it’s a little bit of a journey here. You’re just trying to give them a little taste of what it’s about and hopefully they keep getting better.
Jackson Blake
On his experience with development camp: Super fun. Getting back together with some of the boys that were here last year. It was pretty tough, but they gave us some 3-on-3 today so that made it a little better. Super cool to see the fans come out here and support us and it’s super cool for us to have them out here. Great week, super fun.
On the 3-on-3 session: I love 3-on-3. You can get creative and especially with the fans out here, you want to get as creative as possible. I tried [the lacrosse move]. It didn’t work. I didn’t execute it very well, but I still tried it. It’s the thought that counts.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: Just how hard they work here. They showed us how hard you need to work to make it to the next level. At college, you think you work very hard and then you come here and it’s another step. I’ll definitely take the work ethic aspect out of this camp. There’s definitely other things too, but that was the one that I’ll take away the most.
Aleksi Heimosalmi
On his experience with development camp: It went pretty good. It was a really good experience. It was my first time because I got drafted in 2021, so it was pretty nice to see everybody here and get to know the guys and see how the drills and everything on the ice go.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: I need more strength and power on everything. I need a little bit more weight. I think knowing that I need to get stronger is the biggest thing I can take from here.
Bryce Montgomery
On his experience with development camp: I think it went really well. It’s always good to come back here and skate with these guys and the coaches and see Rod and see what he has to say. It’s gone really well.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: Just knowing how to conduct yourself as a pro and taking care of your body. Being consistent too. Bringing the same game every single day. The same way you want to play, just bringing it every single day and so the coaches know what they're going to get out of me. Stuff like that.
On where he's playing next season: Honestly I couldn’t tell you. I’m still trying to figure it out. Right now, I’m just focused on making it out of training camp and then going from there. That’s it.
Scott Morrow
On his experience with this development camp versus his first: It’s definitely a lot easier than last time. Just knowing half the guys and all the staff pretty much. You’re a lot more comfortable and you know what to expect. It’s kind of a no-stress thing. You don’t have to meet a lot of new guys, especially from the staff standpoint. You kind of know what you’re getting into. It’s more of a stress-free week and I’m just here to have fun and soak in as much information and ways to get better as I can.
Bradly Nadeau
On his experience with development camp: I think it went pretty good. Just coming in here, you want to get better as a player. You learn a few things about the organization and the people here. I got to know a few people and I think the four days were pretty good. I’m looking forward to it next year.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: All the small details. The working habits is what separates the NHL from the other leagues and it’s something that I’m going to take away with me for sure. Just how hard they work in the gym and the details off the ice.
Josh Nadeau
On his experience with development camp: It’s been great. The guys have been great and I’ve been working hard throughout it and I’m developing a lot.
Jayden Perron
On his experience with development camp: I felt good. I definitely learnt a lot on and off the ice. What you’re here to do is to learn and have fun and I think I did both of those.
On the 3-on-3 session: That was definitely a lot of fun. There’s nothing but amazing hockey players out here, so getting to play with and against those guys was definitely a lot of fun.
On having the chance to skate with Hurricanes Sled Hockey and Triangle Special Hockey on Wednesday: It definitely meant a lot to me and it meant a lot to everyone here. Obviously we’re in a position where we can make people’s days and obviously that’s what we try to do. I know I had a lot of fun and I hope they did as well.
Nikita Quapp
On his experience with development camp: I think every one of us can take the stuff from the trainers. We heard a lot of stuff about mental health, we learned how to cook and got a few tips there, so I think it was great for everyone to soak in all the information to be able to take those things with you that you need. It’s great before the season starts to get a little bit of conditioning.
On the difficulty of being a goalie in 3-on-3 and 2-on-2 games: It’s tough. I think obviously not one of us had been on the ice a lot and when he had been, it was often just goalie practice, not a lot of team skates. It was tough, but it was fun.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: Just getting better at everything. You can always be more fit, you can always skate better, you can always everyday get a percent better. That’s something that I can take with me. To work every day.
Felix Unger Sorum
On his experience with development camp: It was really fun. I was really excited to get on the ice and it was really fun to get to try out 2-on-2. I felt it went really, really well except I didn’t go on the ice so much, but it was really fun and it seems like a really nice place.
On what his biggest takeaway from development camp will be: Probably how it is to be an NHL player. How it is to be in these facilities and stuff like that. It’s definitely something I will work for to get here.
Justin Robidas
On his experience with development camp: It’s been fun. It’s been nice to see all the guys here and soak it all in and learn a lot from the coaches and all the staff. Being back in Raleigh, I’ve been here a couple of times, so it’s been fun to be back and just work out and be on the ice. It’s definitely been a great experience.
Jakub Vondras
On his experience with development camp: It’s been a good experience. Also I think it was a great time to show my best and show the coaches how I’ve improved from last year.
On getting drafted in the CHL Import Draft: I’m super excited. I’m looking forward to playing in the OHL next year. I’m so excited to play in Sudbury.
On how the process works: You have to put your name in. Last year, we talked about my future and they thought it would be better to make the move overseas and I wanted to as well. It’s great that they were okay with it and I’m just so excited.
On what he expects from the OHL: Great hockey of course and I think it will make me a better goalie.