Devils Wrap Development Camp with 3-on-3 | NOTEBOOK

It's the final day of the Devils Development Camp. After three days of practices, off-ice training, testing, and team bonding activities, the camp is wrapping up with a 3-on-3 tournament.

Stay tuned to the notebook for the latest info, updates, interviews, videos and more from the practice session!

A Champion is Crowned

This year’s 3-on-3 tournament had three preliminary games before a championship game for all the glory. Team A won both of their preliminary round games to advance to the championship. Team B fell in both of their games, despite a solid push in their second contest where they got within one goal in the final two minutes. Team C lost their first game but won their second to advance to the championship.

In the championship game, Team A took an early lead when Ethan Edwards scored. Team C responded with two goals to take a 2-1 lead, then held off a push by Team A to tie the game. Chase Stillman’s game-winning goal halfway through the game helped the ‘underdogs’ pick up the win.

This tournament was the first time Devils staff and fans saw some of the newest draft picks in a game-like situation. Forward Herman Traff, who was drafted in the Third Round of the 2024 Draft, turned heads with a strong performance. He often played with the other Devils selection in the Third Round, Kasper Pikkarainen.

"It’s an exciting time for the Devils organization,” Utica Comets head coach Kevin Dineen shared Tuesday. “I think every one of our draft picks other than one is here. Now you get to see them live, there’s a lot of big kids in there … certainly some powerful, talented players. It’s early in their development stage but it’s nice to lay eyes on them."

Several returning players at this year’s development camp had strong performances. Ethan Edwards showed some strong offense including Team A’s lone goal in the Championship game. Chase Stillman, who had the game-winner, scored in two of his three games.

Madison, N.J. native Jack Malone also impressed during the tournament. It was his first time at the Devils development camp and he had multiple goals in Team A’s first game, and another in the second game, to help them advance to the championship.

The crowd in attendance for the 3-on-3 was full of passionate Black and Red members that brought plenty of energy to the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey house. In addition to the fans, there was a special appearance from none other than Douglas D. Admin.

Today's 3-on-3, and Development Camp in general, is an opportunity for players to gain access to coaching and resources during the off-season to help set them up for success with their trainings and upcoming seasons.

"You know what you need to do for the rest of the summer once the season starts," Charlie Leddy explained Wednesday.

New Guy on the Block

Utica Comets head coach Kevin Dineen discussed several players in particular on Tuesday. One he focused on was the Devils 10th Overall selection in the 2024 Draft, Anton Silayev:

“Our First Rounder Anton, there’s a stature that you notice right away. but to see him out on the ice and see his skill set, you go, ‘ok, it’s not only his size.’ The way he handles the puck, the way he shoots the puck, and just a youthful enthusiasm he carries out there.”

More Than On-Ice Work

In addition to the on-ice practices and activities, Development Camp is an opportunity to bond as a group and serve the community.

On Monday, the prospects and staff went to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a part of the RWJ Barnabas Health Network, to visit with patients and staff to raise morale.

Following their visit at the hospital, the boys got competitve with the evening's activities, go karting.

Tuesday night, the prospects went to the New York Jets training facility. After a tour of the facilities and a BBQ, the guys hit the practice field for some fun. Whether it was cornhole, kicking field goals, or playing a pickup game, there was plenty of fun in Florham Park. Now the real question, if the prospects switched to be football players, what position would they play?

Fitzgerald Speaks with the Media

Following some big off-season moves via drafting, trades, and free agency, Devils President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald discussed how the Devils are a stronger team than they were in April. To read more about the press conference, click here.