Cristall PEP 2 ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Fourth of July was a day off for most of the DMV. But not for the Washington Capitals. Development camp continued and ramped up on Thursday at an empty MedStar Capitals Iceplex, with every prospect hitting the ice for more skills work before getting in some off-ice workouts and sessions. The defensemen got things underway with their skills session first, weaving through the Power Edge Pro obstacles and shooting on goalies. It allowed players to practice their speed, stickhandling and vision, along with passing and shooting. Among the blueliners, Joaquim Lemay and Brent Johnson continue to stand out as top skaters, Lemay especially. His edges and speed have gotten better, as have his shot and awareness. He emphasized the importance of continuing to work on adding offense to his game, and it's shown here at camp. Ryan Chesley also looks good, as the 2022 second-rounder showed his speed, quick hands and poise during drills. The 20-year-old is entering his third NCAA season after a strong showing this past year and continues to trend very much in the right direction. Chesley PEP Fellow American Cole Hutson was also putting his dekes and puckhandling on display, while Ryan Leonard watched with an amused expression by the glass along with the other forwards as they waited for their on-ice practice to get underway. After the defense was done, the forwards took the ice for PEP circuits on the other rink. Andrew Cristall was perhaps the most impressive on the circuits on Wednesday. He has insane hands and good vision, and he kept his head up and was all smiles as he easily weaved through and got some nice shots on goal. Cristall PEP 2 Cristall PEP 1 Ryan Leonard continues to show that he's at a higher level, and other standouts on the PEPs among forwards include Alexander Suzdalev, Haakon Hanelt and also, Miroslav Satan Jr., the team's seventh-round selection from this year. For a 6-foot-7 player, he sure takes advantage of his reach and has learned more about different angles that work for taller skaters, and the work he has put in paid off. Suzdalev PEP Hanelt PEP Satan PEP Leonard PEP Ilya Protas is also making an impression. He's showing the Capitals exactly why they picked him; he has good offensive instincts, is a stronger skater than his brother, Aliaksei, was at this point and moves the puck very well. On top of that, he has a great attitude and has earned the respect of several teammates so far, while also getting credit as one of the guys with the best sense of humor. Now that all the skills work is done, Washington's camp will continue on Friday with on-ice testing and positional play in the morning, followed by small area games and a youth hockey clinic in the afternoon.
