When Seamus Casey was drafted by the Devils in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, there was an extra reason to be excited.
"I love the Devils, I'm so honored to be here," Casey said with a giant smile on his face during the second day of the Draft. "I have a ton of family in New Jersey so they're all pumped up there, they're huge Devils fans and so am I. So this is the best day of my life."
Three days later, Casey walked through the doors of Prudential Center for the first time as a member of his favorite NHL team, as he and 35 other prospects are attending the Devils Development Camp.
"It was a quick turnaround but I wouldn't have it any other way. Getting here is just awesome, I'm happy to be here. Getting on the ice today was awesome," said Casey.
Spending summers in New Jersey isn't new for the Florida native; Casey frequently would come up to Northern Jersey to see grandparents from both his dad and mom's sides of the family.
"My Nana on my Dad's side lives up in Erskine Lakes so I'm actually probably going to go there this weekend after camp and then on my mom's side, we have a lot in Springfield, so we kind of have on both sides," said Casey Tuesday. "I've spent a lot of time in Springfield and up at the Lake, and (my parents) have taken me into Hoboken, Jersey City, around Newark and stuff too plenty of times. So I love it here."
With his own reason to spend time in Jersey moving forward, Casey has the opportunity to place his own roots here while getting quality time in a place he thinks so highly of.
"I love it. I love the mix of where you can go up like where my Nana is and have the lakes and stuff, and then where my Mom's side is you have great towns. And you know, Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, it's more city stuff, it's awesome, it's a great mix."
Casey's Strong New Jersey Roots | BLOG
The Devils 2022 Second Round Draft pick has strong ties to Northern New Jersey
