San Jose Sharks Draftee Freddie Hamilton Reflects on NHL Rookie Camp

NHL Camp Blog

- Freddie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs
Courtesy www.niagaraicedogs.net

My first taste of pro hockey was a great experience. 

I started out in San Jose for a few days, before heading to Penticton, BC for a rookie tournament, where I played the prospects from Anaheim, Vancouver, and Edmonton. 

I had been to San Jose in the summer for their development camp, so it was nice knowing most of the coaches, staff and some of the other players, as well as being more familiar with the city and rink. The camp showed me what being a pro is all about.  The guys are constantly at the rink, in the gym, or trying to recover for the next day.  Being able to skate and train in the Sharks practice facility, play against faster and stronger players, and learn from experienced coaches was a lot of fun. Flying on the team's private jet, being able to watch guys like Thornton and Heatley go about their days, and playing against Freeze (Alex Friesen, who attended the Vancouver Canucks rookie camp) wasn't bad either.  This experience will help me this season while playing with the IceDogs, and I can't wait to be better in camp next year.   

- Freddie