Sights & Sounds From Day 1 of Islanders Rookie Camp
Thursday marked the first day of New York Islanders rookie camp, as 22 prospects hit the ice at Northwell Ice Center. Here's the sights and sounds from day one.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- Thursday marked the first day of New York Islanders rookie camp, as 22 prospects hit the ice at Northwell Ice Center.
Here is the roster:
The only player rostered who did not participate -- and will not participate in camp -- is forward Daylan Kuefler. The Islanders' 2022 sixth-round pick sustained an injury in the WHL playoffs and will not be able to participate.
"A lot of day one is just getting the first-day jitters out of the way, but getting them on the ice and just getting used to the pace and compete and schedule of a pro," first-year Bridgeport Islanders head coach Rick Kowalsky said after the on-ice session. "I think this week is a good example for that. You got everything, from 18-19-year-olds, some guys that have been around a little longer, but I think that's the biggest thing is you don't want to get too deep into systems, maybe some philosophy stuff and more [focus on] habits.
"These types of camps are more just a little bit about introducing them to pro hockey but also, maybe starting to build the foundation of habits and details in their game."
Kowalsky, who was appointed head coach shortly after Brent Thompson joined the Anaheim Ducks coaching staff, is excited to be running things in Connecticut.
"I'm excited to be back and be a head coach, to be running practice and organizing it and going through it with the staff." Kowalsky said. "I'm pumped to get going. It's kind of nice to see the build-up to day one, and now we'll get into a bit of a rhythm, but no, I was excited. It was a lot of fun."
While Kowalsky ran the camp, he had some familiar faces helping out, with former Islanders Johnny Boychuk and Dennis Seidenberg on hand.
Both were hired last summer to help with player development.
Although it was just day one, there were a few standouts, so let's dive in.
For starters, two European players who did not participate a year ago came over and looked solid in their Islander camp debuts in defenseman Calle Odelius (2021 2nd rd) and forward Eetu Liukas (2022 5th rd).
"It was really fun. Fun to meet all the players and the whole staff and organization and get to know the Islanders," Odelius said.
Although Odelius isn't coming over to North America until 2024-25 as he will continue his development in Sweden, being at rookie camp is a huge step for him.
"I think you get a feeling of what you need to do to get to the NHL," the young Swede said.
"Moves well, good skater. He's got good hands," Kowalksy said regarding Odelius. "This is a first time seeing him for me, but it looks like there's some offensive ability there, and I was impressed overall on the one-on-ones and how he defended and competed down low."
The future for Liukas is currently a question mark as he could head back to Finland or join the organization in Bridgeport, but that decision won't be made until after camp.
"Big kid," Kowalsky said as Liukas stands at six-foot-three, weighing 205 pounds. "I heard he's got a little bit of sandpaper in his game, so I'm looking forward to maybe the scrimmages and seeing that."
One of the biggest questions heading into rookie camp was how much forward William Dufour (2020 5th rd) was able to improve his skating.
The 21-year-old had no problems scoring in the AHL, with 21 goals and 27 assists in 69 games. But when he got a chance at the NHL level, one game against the Boston Bruins, it was evident that he needed to improve his strides, which he seems to have done this summer.
"I was impressed. He looks a little leaner and hopefully stronger," Kowalsky said about Dufour. "We don't see all the test results, but so far, so good on day one.
"I was impressed with the little skate at the end. He led that, so good first day for him, and he's a guy that we're really excited about seeing the growth he's made after one year in pro."
Dufour has more confidence heading into year two and is excited to see his hard work this summer pay off.
"Last year was my first year. I didn't know what to expect," Dufour said. "I knew a couple of guys, but not too much. Like right now, I know almost all the boys, so it's just nice to be in a place that I'm used to and just getting better and better.
"I'm gonna be way better than last year and just can't wait to see what I can do."
We published a story on Matthew Maggio (2022 5th rd) this afternoon.
Check out the one-on-interview below:
We will cap things off with defenseman Isaiah George (2022 4th rd), who is back on Long Island for the second time.
The 19-year-old sustained an ankle injury at last year's camp, which impacted his availability with the OHL's London Knights. However, after another year in the "O," George is more confident in his game.
"I feel like I got better throughout the entire season," George said. "I feel like I played my role. I worked on a lot of things I want to work on, and overall, I felt like I put in a good body of work that year."
More on George coming Friday morning ahead of their second day, so hold tight.
"I really liked him last year when he came in and then had the ankle injury, which is unfortunate," Kowalsky said. "We were looking forward to seeing him more, but again another very mobile [defenseman]. The one-on-ones today, the two-on-ones, he's a strong kid, but his ability to adjust his gap, which is the reason we set that drill in place today and move laterally, just again, another good strong skating defenseman, which you know you can't have enough of them. "
The Islanders rookies will be back on the ice Friday, which means more content to soak up as we inch closer to main training camp.