Rehabbing has gone really well over the summer and sticking near Philly has been really helpful. Time gets away from you for a little bit, having to do the same thing over and over. I'd try to take a vacation and just go see some family and friend here and there, but it has been good. Obviously, the Flyers staff has been incredible. Jimmy [McCrossin] and them have been nothing but helpful. It's been pretty smooth and now it's time to go.
Obviously, this Development Camp is a little bit different for me than most the other guys here and ones that I've experienced in the past. I kind of feel like an old dad out there, especially with my beard and everything. You just try to learn what you can. These camps are about learning and picking up on little things. In our sport, you're never too old to learn, so I just try to soak in as much information as you can and help out the younger guys. I was there once, and as a younger player, you can get nervous and you don't know what to expect. Now I can focus on being one of the guys to help them, and at the same time, continue to work on my game and get better everyday.
This week, I'm rooming with Ethan Burroughs. He's a right winger in the OHL and this is his first Development Camp. He's a good guy. Maybe a little on the quiet/shy side, but he's younger. I was shy at my first camp also, so I can relate. That's how it goes at your first development camp.
Away from the rink, Ive been hanging a ton with Wader a ton. Also been spending a lot of time with Frosty, Ratty, Stromer, Wiz. Anyone pretty much. We have a really good group of guys at camp. We've played some chip and putt with our down time, and that's added another level of competition to an already competitive camp. Back at the hotel we're usually just watching TV, movies and just getting to know each other more. There's not too much you can do in the hotel but we make the most of it.
Personally, getting back on the ice has honestly been a big step. Right now, I love getting on the ice. It sucks not being able to get on the ice when I was injured, rehabbing and stuff. I think that's a big part of this camp for me. Just getting out there and being around the guys, having a good time and continuing to get comfortable. I'm having fun with it and am learning some new stuff along the way.
