The Utah general manager spoke to the media Tuesday at the renovated Olympic Oval in Kearns.
A summer break can seem like an eternity.
That's why Utah Hockey Club general manager Bill Armstrong called the opening of rookie camp Wednesday-- doubling as the official first day of Utah HC's inaugural training camp in Kearns -- Christmas.
Among the notables on the roster this week include former first-round picks Maveric Lamoreaux (2022, first round), Cole Beaudoin (2024, first round), and Tij Iginla (2024, first round).
Wednesday's on-ice sessions will be the only ones for the rookies before they head for Los Angeles to participate in the Rookie Face-Off, with the veterans set to report next week.
The Face-Off will begin Friday with Utah HC meeting no. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini and San Jose, and conclude Monday against newly minted archrival Vegas.
All games will be streamed on the team's website, as announced here.
"We forget about COVID and how we didn't get to do this during that time," Armstrong said. "I never forgot that feeling of getting to wake up and be in front of your players."
Armstrong credited the training staff for helping the rookies come in "bigger, stronger, and faster", led by longtime athletic trainer Stan Wilson.
"It's not really work, it's enjoyment and you get to see the kids that you drafted," he said. "It's our first step we're taking as a new organization and as a new franchise."