Silver Nuggets: Development Camp

Many of the links today are related to the Senators annual development camp. It is run by Randy Lee, but is put on with input from many of the off-ice staff, and really gives prospects the chance to grow, and for new prospects, it gives them a chance to see that the Senators are an organization that takes prospect development seriously.

Chris Schwartz, the strength and conditioning coach, puts the players through vigorous testing and gives them things that they need to work on if they want to be stronger and faster to get to the next level.

Mark Power, a power-skating guru from the Ottawa area puts the prospects through the paces, as many of them need to work on their skating to get better as players. Mark Stone, for example, has worked extensively on his skating since his draft year, and it is extremely evident each year at the camp how much he has improved.

Assistant coaches Dave Cameron and Mark Reeds who are notoriously good with young players are often on the ice to run drills and to help instruct. In the skate-arounds before the on-ice sessions, you will often see Cameron skating beside a player or two, getting to know them.

Watching from above are the scouts, and often Pierre Dorian himself. Bryan Murray and his nephew Tim often come to get a look at the players and Paul MacLean is seen watching from time to time as well. This shows players that this isn't just a development camp, but is in fact the first chance to impress the Senators brass, if they want to prove they can play.

The most important aspect of the camp, in my opinion, is that the on-ice sessions are all open to the public. Last year, I took full advantage, drooling over Jakob Silfverberg's shot and Mika Zibanejad's strength. Seeing how Stefen Noesen was always the last guy off the ice after convincing someone to practice one-timers with him. Seeing how, even though he is small, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a smooth, slick prospect who could one day become a player.

This year, with the 3 on 3 tournament falling on a holiday Monday, fans will have the chance to check out what the prospects can do. I expect that the Sensplex will be PACKED, and this is important because it makes a statement to these prospects that even though many have not ever played a game for the Senators, fans know who they are and are interested in their development. At the very least, it should motivate them to put on a good show.

For a full list of activities the prospects will be going through, click here!

Rest of the links after the Jump.

Sens Links:

• Here is a video recap of day one of the development camp with interviews with Mark Stone and Mark Borowiecki. [Sens]
• And here is the always awkward "meet the prospects" video with each member of the camp introducing themselves. Which guy do you think is most awkward? I'm going with Chris Driedger. [Sens]
• Here is Cody Ceci who is blogging about his experience at the camp, complete with cute-kid-Ceci picture! [Sens]
• Some Brennan thoughts about the camp and story about why Cody Ceci wears #83! [Brennan]
• Allen Panzeri sits down with Mark Borowiecki as the BoroCop gets set for his big push for a roster spot [Panzeri]
• Always interesting to hear from, Allen Panzeri also sits down with Robin Lehner, who comes to camp much more focused and mature than in years past. He's also got something to prove. [Panzeri]
• Alright, enough Dev Camp stuff, here is Mark Parisi flaunting his man crush making a case for Peter Mueller as a UFA option. Peter can certainly play, the questions are about his health. [SSS] (Note: I used to trade for Mueller in NHL games all the time, I love him too)
• I guess in the spirit of flexing his contract negotiating muscles, apparently Bryan Murray is starting to negotiate with Chris Neil on an extension. Hopefully at a lower cap hit than last time. [6thSens]
• This article hopes that the Murray's past experience with signing college free-agents helps them with Justin Schultz. I'm hoping this kid has a good season, because the hype around him is getting a little silly. [Sun]
• Something I never tire of hearing, a case for Daniel Alfredsson in the Hall of Fame! Amelia muses about how Mats Sundin induction on the first ballot yesterday may affect Alfie's chances, when his time comes. [SSS]