Development Camp Blog: Nathan Smith (Day 5)

Throughout the 2019 Development Camp, Winnipeg Jets prospect Nathan Smith will provide an exclusive look behind the scenes at his experience. Nathan was drafted by the Jets in the third round with the 91st overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He recently finished up his second successful season with Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the USHL and is committed to play in the NCAA with the Minnesota State (Mankato) Mavericks next season.
Just like that, this year's development camp has come to an end.
But Friday was anything but a slow day.

We started the day off with a scrimmage - Team White versus Team Blue. Each team only had three lines, but even still, it was pretty fast-paced and intense.
It was also a good opportunity to work on some of the things we've been improving this week. Things like rolling and meeting the puck along the boards are easier to do in a drill over and over, but another to do it at game speed.
After that, we packed our workout clothes and hopped on the bus to Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I'd never done it before, but it was definitely tiring. It was really fun too, just learning all the techniques to take someone down or choke them out, they're all very precise. If they're not spot on, they won't work. It was a cool workout to end the week.
Considering I didn't get to skate last year, I definitely felt more like a full participant this year. It was awesome to meet up with players I had met last year and meet new guys this year.
With me heading off to college this season, I know I'll be seeing some of these guys again throughout the season. A number of them are committed to NCAA schools for this year, so it'll be fun to go up against them after being teammates this week.
Thanks for following along!