Observations from the Anaheim Ducks Development Camp Scrimmage
The Anaheim Ducks future was on display for a full house at this year’s prospects camp scrimmage. Our Kenny Marcial was there and shares his observations.
Yesterday the Ducks held their annual development camp scrimmage. The game was free to attend, but a donation to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation was suggested. Benoit-Oliver Groulx ended the game with a wraparound goal in overtime, giving Team Black the 3-2 victory. It was a fun game to watch and here are some observations from the game.
The Kids are Alright
Heading into the game, the expectations were on Anaheim Ducks former first-round picks Sam Steel, Jacob Larsson, along with college standout Troy Terry would be the best players on the ice. To no one’s surprise, they lived up to the expectation.
Troy Terry – The American Folk hero’s stick skills were second to none. He had the puck on a string and the defense was unable to keep up with his dizzying display of skill. A nifty pass led to a tap-in goal by Justin Ducharme and gave Team Black a 1-0 lead. Somehow, Terry managed to bank a shot in off Team White’s goalie for his team’s second goal. He has a slight build, but he looks poised to compete for a roster spot in the fall.
Sam Steel – His hockey IQ was on full display all game. Much like Getzlaf, he had eyes in the back of his head. Steel was able to constantly create scoring chances for his linemates, which led to an assist on a goal by Carter Berger (College Invite). Steel looks to have added a few pounds, which led to him consistently winning puck battles. He will make a serious run at one of the center positions when camp opens.
Jacob Larsson – I was pleasantly surprised by his build, he was the most physically developed player on the ice. Larsson was great at reading the play, which led to several takeaways. He was able to win the physical battles and kept puck possession for Team Black when he was on the ice. The development camp has given Larsson momentum heading into the summer.
Players making positive impressions
Giovanni Fiore – He made some very smart plays and got his shot off in a hurry. I didn’t really notice him carrying the play, but when he was in a scoring position, he got the puck on net.
Max Comtois – Max is a very big kid. He did a great job on both sides of the ice and has a nice shot. He complimented Steel well and has the skills to develop into a nice player. Reminds me of a young Chris Kreider.
Kiefer Sherwood – One of the older players in camp and it showed. He was able to win most of the puck battles and displayed nice speed in doing so. Along with Comtois and Steel, his line dominated play when they were on the ice. He showed an above average shot but needs to do a better job of getting it on the net.
Isac Lunderstrom – This year’s first-round pick showed poise beyond his years. Lundestrom was solid on both sides of the ice. His speed was impressive as well. He had one play where he showed off some nice hands but relied more on his hockey smarts throughout the scrimmage. For only being 18, he has a solid build.
Blake McLaughlin – The Troy Terry of this draft class. McLaughlin is the kid who went in the middle rounds, but Anaheim quickly found out he is much better than where he was drafted. Pucks find his stick and he knows how to put it in the net. His goal came off a one-timer in the slot, off a rebound. McLaughlin had several other high-quality scoring chances and possessed the best shot on the ice. If the scrimmage was any indication, he’s going to be a name for fans to remember.
Deven Sideroff – He sat for long stretches last season in San Diego. His redemption, in the eyes of the organization, continued with his showing in the scrimmage. Sideroff blew past the defense on one rush, but the pass was picked off or he’d have had a breakaway. Possibly the fastest player in the scrimmage.
Other Observations
Missing in action – Both Max Jones and Josh Mahura missed the scrimmage. Several fans spotted Jones leaving the rink in what appeared to be a cast.
Saw him walk down the stairs to the rink. His left arm was in a cast underneath his jacket.
— gav (@huntgavin27) July 1, 2018
Mahura didn’t participate in the scrimmage either, but the reason for his exclusion was unknown.
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Pace of Play – It was only a developmental camp and Randy Carlyle wasn’t coaching, but the transition game was much faster. Both teams got the puck out of the zone quick, which is something Carlyle was harping on last season. It’s a promising start, so let’s hope it continues in the Anaheim Ducks camp this fall.
Quality – Of course some “rookie mistakes” were made. That’s what you get from young players. Overall, the Ducks prospects put on a good show. All of the first-round picks that played, showed the skills that made them top draft selections, to begin with.
Good turn out – Anaheim Ice was packed for the game. It was nice to see how many diehard fans are out there. I showed up a little late and the only space left was in the front row. My kids also enjoyed seeing Wild Wing making his appearance, even if my daughter was deathly afraid of being next to him.
The next official gathering for many of these players will be in early September. It’s when the Ducks hold their pre-training prospect camp. At the end of camp, the prospects play in either a rookie tournament or scrimmage against another team.