The 2019 Boys Select 15 Player Development Camp officially began today here in Amherst, New York, with more than 200 of the top players born in 2004 arriving on the University at Buffalo campus. The camp, which runs through Saturday (July 20), provides the players age-appropriate on- and off-ice training and the opportunity to compete against their peers from across the country.

Opening Meeting & Team Activity
After arriving on campus, getting checked in and dropping their bags off at their rooms, players attended the opening camp meeting. The staff was players were introduced to the staff members and the camp leaders laid out the expectations for the next five days.

Following the meeting, teams participated in their first of four team-building challenges during camp. Today's challenge had the players on each team standing in a circle while holding hands. Before the final two players joined hands, a hula hoop was placed around their arms. Without breaking any links in the circle, the teams had to maneuver the hula hoop all the way around the circle twice to complete the challenge. 

Camp Staff Filled With Hockey Experience
Members of the camp staff arrived yesterday (July 14) for introductory and planning meetings that continued this morning to prepare for player arrivals and finalize all the details surrounding camp.

The top-notch group includes a wealth of youth, junior, college, professional and even Olympic hockey experience to fill the roles of team coaches, goalie coaches, team leaders, evaluators, equipment specialists, athletic trainers and more.

This morning, USA Hockey National Team Development Program head coach Seth Appert and associate coach Nick Fohr spoke to the group about the concepts they’d like emphasized throughout the week. Following the presentation, the camp coaches split into two groups to design practice plans based on the focal points laid out by Appert and Fohr.

Boys Select 15 Camp Format
Over the course of six days, the players will be provided instruction and tools to maximize their athletic development both on and off the ice. Each team schedule includes four games, three practices, one three-on-three game, team-building activities and number of off-ice presentations focused nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental skills and other topics.

See the full on-ice schedule here.

Looking Ahead
The on-ice portion of camp gets underway first thing tomorrow morning with 3-on-3 games starting at 9:30 a.m. ET and continuing into the early afternoon. The first round of practice sessions, which will feature two teams on the ice at the same time, begin and 3:30 p.m. ET and run into the evening. Throughout the day, teams will also attend a nutrition presentation and participate in their second team-building exercise.