Defenseman Mac Gadowsky's time at the United States Military Academy has made Nashville Predators development camp a bit more "fun."

 "Some of the toughest things with habits and just everything all around is done there [U.S. Military Academy], so it makes this [development camp] more fun," he said.  

While Gadowsky won't be returning to play for Army next fall, having committed to play at Penn State, the lessons of discipline and responsibility learned at West Point have helped Gadowsky grow his game and earn an invitation to Predators' development camp. 

"Discipline and work ethic," Gadowsky said, are the two biggest lessons he learned at Army. "You can't get anything done if you're not disciplined, and if that work ethic isn't there, it's not gonna happen." 

"I make sure to have those two things going on no matter what."

Gadowsky's sophomore season made program history. He scored 42 points in 36 games, which is an Army record in the time they've played in the Atlantic Hockey Association.

He earned AHA Top Defenseman honors, All-First Team honors and was the first Black Knight to finish in the top 10 in Hobey Baker Award voting. Gadowsky was also the first Army player ever to be named to the ACHA East First Team All-American. 

At 6-foot-3-inches and a proven scorer, it's no surprise that Gadowsky was one of nine players invited to the Predators' development camp. General Manager Barry Trotz said on Tuesday that he wants the team to be "big and young" and that Gadowsky checks those boxes. 

"It's been amazing [to be here]," Gadowsky said. "I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity to learn and further develop myself here with a great group of guys and a great staff. It's been an unbelievable start and I'm super thrilled for the rest of the week." 

Gadowsky has truly showcased that discipline aspect in his game as he took only six penalty minutes last season. From his time in the North American Hockey League to now, he hasn't taken more than eight penalty minutes in a season. 

"I try to play hard, but not let the team down," Gadowsky said. "With those little details, you've got to stay disciplined and make sure those details stay throughout the game."

Gadowsky is about 700 miles southwest of State College, Pennsylvania, this week, but he's been able to get acquainted with one of his future teammates: forward Aiden Fink. 

Drafted by the Predators 218th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Fink just finished his sophomore season at Penn State, scoring 53 points in 40 games. While Fink and Gadowsky are the same age, Fink has taken him "under his wing," not just preparing for Penn State, but at his first development camp.

"It's going to be really fun," Fink said on playing with Gadowsky at Penn State. "Obviously, he's a great player, a really nice guy. I'm just kind of showing him the ropes, but he's a smart guy, he's learning quick and I'm excited for him this year. He's going to have a big year at can tell."

Fink and Gadowsky have faced off before. The first was a high-scoring 7-6 Penn State win in January 2024, and the other was a wider 4-1 Penn State victory on Dec. 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. 

Fink notably had five points in the early 2024 showdown, but specifically remembers going up against Gadowsky. 

"He's [Gadowsky] tall and he's got a long stick," Fink said. "It's a battle every single time you go against him. He's not going to go light on you. He's going to make you better, and you want to make him better."

This fall is going to be big for Gadowsky. If he can translate his success with Army to the Big Ten, the Predators' interest could continue to peak with the defenseman. 

The lessons he learned at West Point have taken him far, and could take him even further. 

"Everything I've learned while being there [Army] has taught me a lot," Gadowsky said.