Developing the Depths

For many Kraken faithful, eyes are already on the upcoming NHL season. But for Ron Francis and his team, building depth that creates sustainable success for the organization goes beyond even that timeline with the next investment in the future happening July 1 - July 5 at the second annual Kraken Development Camp.

What is Development Camp all about? With hockey being an international game, when a player is drafted by an NHL team, they can come from a wide range of leagues and locations. They can also each be at very different points in the evolution of their abilities. Unlike sports such as the NBA or NFL, it's the exception and not the rule that a player a team drafts show up on the pro roster the very next season.

With that in mind, "Dev" Camp is a time to connect and work with players in your organization who are still on their journey to get to the NHL. So, of the 38 or so players expected at this year's camp, you'll see players who have already been drafted by the Kraken including Shane Wright, David Goyette, and Jagger Firkus, plus picks from the 2023 Draft. There will be players who joined the organization as a free agent signing like the OHL's 2022-23 most outstanding player, Logan Morrisson along with other players who the Kraken have invited to join them at camp.

Across the five-day camp, all in attendance will get an up-close look into the Kraken organization. General manager Ron Francis and NHL head coach Dave Hakstol along with AHL head coach Dan Bylsma and Kraken director of player development, Jeff Tambellini will set the tone and expectations for the week ahead, and both coaching staffs will lead a number of on-ice sessions.

But unlike a training camp that occurs before the NHL season begins, development camp provides a unique opportunity for players to work on their game and progress towards their NHL dream. Skating sessions will focus on tactical and positional work. Power skating drills will be a part of the action and the camp culminates in what is sure to be an enjoyable 3-on-3 tournament.

All of these efforts are supplemented by off-ice sessions to help each athlete improve their abilities in the areas of nutrition, strength and conditioning, and working with media.

There is fun sprinkled in, too. Getting to be a part of the Seattle community is a big perk of being a member of the Kraken organization. Camp attendees will get to tour the Kraken locker room at Climate Pledge Arena; attend a Mariners game; and enjoy the Emerald City's beauty via land and boat. Of course, with the Fourth of July falling in the middle of this year's camp, enjoying some fireworks is on the agenda as is getting to sample some of Seattle's great food scene, and after the 3-on-3 tournament, there will be a barbeque that is also open to Kraken fans.

Development camp will be a jam-packed week of education, relationship building, and hockey. It provides the opportunity for young players to get a glimpse of what it will take to get to the highest levels of the game and it gives the Kraken the chance to get to know and help guide its young players as they chase their dream of playing in the NHL.

This season's camp will have two on-ice days open to both fans and media, concluding with a scrimmage on July 5. All times are subject to change, but a tentative schedule for the week is below:

July 2 - Doors open @ 9:30am

9:45-10:45am (R1) Red Team on-ice approximately

11:30-12:30pm (R1) Blue Team on-ice approximately

July 5 - Doors open @ 11:30am

12:00 pm 3-on-3 Scrimmage (R1)