The St. Louis Blues Rookie Camp experience was awesome! Although I can’t say that I learned too much because this was my second camp–many of the same things are done upon arrival at every camp. First thing in the morning you are brought to the doctor for a physical. After you’re cleared to skate, you are then brought to the rink. I wasn’t able to skate the first morning because my luggage was lost at the airport, so I basically showed up to camp with no clothes or equipment. The organization was very understanding of my situation knowing it was out of my control. Coach Murray even brought me in a few times to make sure everything was being taken care of. I met many different people within the organization. Al McInnis, Head Coach Murray, all the GMs and owners, and several players from past years were all there to help with anything anyone might need. They were all very nice and respectful. Everyone was treated like a king. St. Louis is a first class organization.

There were over 40 players at the camp. I didn’t really know anyone except the few OHL guys I have competed against over the years. I knew Cundari (Windsor Spitfires), Petrienagelo (Mississauga Icedogs), Livingston (Soo Greyhounds), and Nigro (Guelph Storm). I was also able to meet Erik Johnson, T.J. Oshie, and Keith Tkchuck. Playing with these guys was something new.

I thought I played very well throughout camp, especially when I was put with Nigro and Livingston for the last game. With all the new faces and the meeting of new people it was very easy to get caught up and lose focus. Everyday we followed a rigorous on/off-ice routine. Off-ice activities included: Bench Press Max, 85% Bench Rep Max, One arm lifts with DBs and Pull Ups with 15% of our body weight. One the ice, aside from our games, we did a lot of conditioning and edge work. I felt really good knowing that I excel in both areas. I think the hardest drill we did was the on ice beep test. The beep test is a series of stops and starts which utilize a beeping sound where the athlete must start and stop without losing synch or rhythm to the beep. I was happy I did the best because the scouts/coaches said this was the most important to them. Everything else was fairly easy. We also had speakers talk to us regarding nutrition, regeneration, drug abuse and women.

Overall I thought I had a great showing. They said they would be in contact with me over the next few weeks regarding my future with the St. Louis Blues. Until I hear otherwise, I’m just going to keep working hard and direct my focus on my next camp with the New York Islanders.