4 Things We Learned from NHL Development Camps

4 Things We Learned from NHL Development Camps

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 08/12/22, 10:15AM EDT

Small Area Games a popular theme

It’s been a busy few weeks for the game’s newest stars. From hearing their names called at the NHL Draft to quickly packing up and heading to NHL Development Camps, the whirlwind of excitement certainly wasn’t lost on the players.

Development Camps give teams an opportunity to introduce new players to their new cities, facilities, staff members and other important details about the organization. They feature a combination of on-ice drills and off-ice seminars.

From skating and skill development to Small Area Games, there were common threads throughout many of the Camps. Let’s take a look at what went on across the league.

Small Area Games

36 seconds of Penguins development camp, including first-round pick Owen Pickering in a yellow No. 19 jersey. pic.twitter.com/sRjvimUkbh
— Danny Shirey (@DannyShireyPGH) July 10, 2022

D Ethan del Mastro and F Liam Gorman battle on the boards. Drew Commesso is in net. #Blackhawks development camp pic.twitter.com/vitVy8RhIX
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) July 11, 2022

#Habs Slafkovsky hands display (in slot at start of clip) — he’s been doing a lot of toe drags and dangles in 3x3 & 4x4 battle drills. pic.twitter.com/Cur4ePg0VK
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) July 11, 2022

Sweet sounds of hockey in the heat of the Texas summer #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/giHZPG5gaK
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 11, 2022

A popular theme during the Development Camps, many variations of Small Area Games were on display. Small Area Games emphasize passing, puck control and provide game like scenarios in tight spaces.

Skating

Jeremiah Slavin, a younger brother of two #NHL draftees, takes part in his resistance drill here at #Canes Development camp pic.twitter.com/TV4Udyw3yH
— Evan Abramson (@Evan_Abramson) July 11, 2022

Bolts believe that all player development is skating development

Barb Underhill is a pretty great resource (considered top skating coach in hockey) https://t.co/jWKDUYACMX
— Greg Revak, CFP® (@CoachRevak) July 13, 2022

It’s opening day of Lightning development camp, featuring some of the organization’s top prospects, recent draft picks, and trade acquisitions pic.twitter.com/32Iw4qRX7x
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) July 11, 2022

The magical ballet of skating #CBJ pic.twitter.com/msnriwWs2Z
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 11, 2022

Some areas of focus included Skating drills. Through edgework, explosive speed and mechanics, many drill variations were on display.

Puck Battles

Quinton Byfield putting the moves on Samuel Fagemo.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/oWlh597XUI
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) July 11, 2022

Helenius and Lee going at it in puck protection drills.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/eT0EOLT8UD
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) July 11, 2022

There are many ways to stop and start puck possession drills, such as a puck battle to gain control along the boards. Players need to use their edgework and body position to protect the puck from their opponent.

Off-Ice

With @nhl development camps in full swing, a story…
When I was captain of the Oilers I was asked to come talk to the prospects during the camp in Jasper.
I declined that offer but proposed an alternative that I believed held more value. pic.twitter.com/y5p6HG1xo8
— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) July 12, 2022

Former Edmonton Oilers captain Andrew Ference tells a behind the scenes story of an outdoor overnight adventure during Development Camp. On the surface this does not appear directly connected to the players' on ice skills. Ference says the exercise quickly showed attitudes and leadership skills of the players when put in a situation with adversity and stress.