Wild prospect camp finishes in style with scrimmages

Wild prospect camp finishes with scrimmages

Wild prospect camp finishes in style with scrimmages

Written by Derek Felska
Sunday, 18 July 2010 14:41

I sort of know how these prospects probably felt as the opening of practice for football is just a few weeks away as players prepare themselves for the rigors of practice. Sure, you can skate on your own; run, bike, weight train but it still will pale in comparison to the drills the organization's coaches will put them through. It doesn't always make sense, you may push yourself very hard and put yourself through a dynamic and challenging workout but for whatever reason it just doesn't exert your body the same way. Wild prospect camp veteran, Colton Gillies said as much to wild.com's Kevin Falness. Saying that he's feeling it physically, but also that its good to be put through their paces as it helps get him ready for the actual training camp. That also probably means getting a chance to get ready for the annual prospect tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. Prospects do not just run through drills they also met with a nutritionist where they actually participated in a cooking class to learn how to cook meals that will help them perform at their best. The prospects also went to a sort of a fight camp; not quite the Derek Boogaard Fight Camp but a boxing center where they learn how to maximize their punches and learn about staying balanced while they throw their haymakers. For the prospects the camp is all about learning even if they do not end up a part of the Wild organization they may be skills they can use for the rest of their hockey careers.

One of the tryouts, Joel Broda has already been given a 3-year contract, will any of the others managed to have earned one after this 5 day camp? Perhaps a case could be made for University of Minnesota-Duluth star Justin Fontaine who again showcased great skills scoring 2 goals (both off rebounds) in the Saturday scrimmage in a losing effort for Team White. Another player who surprised many with his assertiveness and poise in his first development camp was Jason Zucker who fired a wicked wrist shot to beat Dennis Endras over the shoulder to give Team Green a 5-4 come-from-behind victory. Another player who earned praise for his efforts in both scrimmages was Cody Almond who seemed to be a player who could recognize when his team needed him to make a play, as he scored the tying goal in the 1st scrimmage and cut Team White's lead in half in the 2nd one. Another of the new prospect camp skaters to impress was Brett Bulmer. The lanky 6'3" Bulmer exhibited some flash and dash, some great puckhandling skills as he dangled around defenders as well as a willingness to take the puck to the scoring areas of the ice. The Kelowna Rockets' forward also demonstrated he likes to dish out the hits and this served to get under the skin of some of the prospect camp vets like Maxim Noreau and Tyler Cuma. Between the pipes, it was German goaltender Endras that seemed to stand out amongst the four at camp. He was battling every shot and came up with some outstanding saves to help give Team White a 3-1 Sunday victory. (click on the link for the rest of the article)

Enjoy...