Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- After five days of on-ice and off-ice testing, video sessions, nutrition education, and team-bonding activities, the Detroit Red Wings prospects concluded their 2024 Development Camp last Friday with a spirited three-on-three tournament at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center.

Red Wings Assistant Director of Player Development Dan Cleary expressed satisfaction with this year’s camp. “I thought the kids were very respectful, worked hard and were attentive,” Cleary said. “They were awesome. Probably one of the best development camps I’ve been part of.”

The 2024 Development Camp featured 29 players from July 1-5, including all eight prospects selected by the organization at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas on June 28 and 29. Cleary emphasized the importance of getting an extensive look at rising talent within the organization. “It’s always beneficial, especially to bring in the new draft picks, being able to get these kids over,” he stated. “It’s awesome, for me personally and for everyone involved, just to get to know each other.”

Development Camp provides Detroit's newest draft picks and younger prospects with an opportunity to train at a state-of-the-art NHL facility and experience life as professional hockey players while learning essential off-ice skills. Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman highlighted the evolution in training methods: “Things have evolved and changed so much, from nutrition to the skills and skating instructors, the performance science part of sports,” Yzerman said. “The kids have so much more information and education available to them. We’re hoping they soak it in.”

Forward prospect Nate Danielson was noted as a standout during Development Camp by Cleary. “I thought Nate Danielson was great every day,” Cleary remarked. “Came in terrific shape... He does everything right and he really showed the way in his testing, preparations and professionalism.” However, Cleary clarified that Development Camp is not about judging prospects but rather building a foundation for their careers.

“At the end of the day, you tell them to take it serious,” Cleary advised. “Train serious... Once they leave here, don’t forget about everything we just worked on.”

First-time campers like forward Ondrej Becher found camaraderie among fellow Red Wings prospects helpful for their comfort levels during camp activities. "It helps me a lot being around guys who are the same age as me," Becher shared.

Cleary acknowledged that many individuals contribute to making Development Camp successful annually: "This doesn’t go well without so many people helping me," he said.