NJ Devils three-on-three development camp tournament recap

New Jersey Devils, Ice Hockey, Professional

July 14, 2023

On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils held a three-on-three tournament for the annual Development camp. The game was open to Black and Red ticket holders at the RWJ Barnbas Health Hockey house in Newark, NJ.

The prospects were divided into four teams named Daneyko, Stevens, Broduer and Neidermayer. These four teams played a round robin style on a 1/3 game rink. The smaller space and three-on-three action made for some intense game play. The tournament ended with a 8–4 Team Stevens victory.

Although you can catch many of the highlights online, for the players it was a great tool to learn to play in a more intense professional setting and to bond with other up and coming players. The purpose of the camp was to help players develop their skills, connect them with the coaches and teach them more about the community service aspect of professional sports. Most of the day was highlighted by smiles and cheering.

For Coach Kevin Dineen, the Utica Comets head coach, it gave him a chance to evaluate the young skills in the Devils' farm system. The coaching staff can better grade the players and give them direct input on areas of the game they need to work on when they return to their respective teams. It is an invaluable tool for both the player and the coaching staff.

Missing from this year’s camp are some of the bigger names from last year. Players like Alexander Holtz, Nolan Foote and Simon Nemec missed camp this year. They are more ready for taking the next step to the NHL. Returning players like Chase Stillman and Ethan Edwards, both missing ice time due to injury, are also poised to take the next steps. Stillman, a first round pick, shined in his playoff run with the Petersbourgh Pete’s this year.

His checking and fighting skills might have made hockey world highlight reels but he also improved on his defensive and positioning skills. Although drafted as a scorer, he has developed his game more to a 200-foot player. Edwards, coming off a great season with University of Michigan, has learned more of his defensive side of the game as well as positional play. With many of his teammates already playing in the NHL and others first round draft picks, he brings a valuable future depth to our defensive corps.

The tournament also gave new favorites a chance to shine. Seamus Casey showed great skill and hockey IQ on the tighter ice and had strong vision to where his fellow players were. Josh Filmon visibly bulked up and was noticeable in his corner and behind the net play. He was able to use his size much more in front of the net. Goaltending prospect Cole Brady was the last of the four goaltenders to give up a point and his size and athleticism was noticeable.

Several players on invitation also shined. Fans enjoyed watching the intensity and drive of players like Ondřej Pšenička, Will Dineen and Cam Recci.

The drafts picks gave Devils fans great hope of the future. Stand outs in the game were Artem Shlaine, a 2020 5th-round pick was a natural shoot first type player, which is something the Devils need. Lenni Hameenaho, a second round pick from this year’s draft showed drove game play with his two goals and an assist for Team Stevens in the final game. The play of 2023 Draft Chase Cheslock and Comets Forward Xavier Parent also stood out.

Fans are thrilled to be happy with the future of the team. The players had an autograph session following the game and many players joked with fans and had fun with the experience. The group of young prospects are a testament to GM Tom Fitzgerald’s blueprint of the future.