Another development camp in the books for the Carolina Hurricanes. Fourteen hockey hopefuls were in Raleigh this week, learning what it takes to be a professional hockey player on the NHL level.
"I think as you go up the levels, the details become the difference," said Peter Harrold. Harrold is the Canes' Director of Player Development.
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This week the Canes are getting a jump at guiding the development of their prospect players.
"We have a great team a little harder to replace guys," Harrold said. "Like that's the reality of pro hockey, is that you have to take somebody's spot, and if you're not ready, you're not going to do that."
So every little detail matters, including skating on one leg.
"When I do anything single leg, it's because hockey players are asymmetric, so that means they're more dominant on one side versus the other," said Ashlea Jones.
Part of Prospect Camp included on-ice instruction from a former figure skater, Ashlea Jones, who the Canes have brought on to teach the finer points of skating. Jones has worked with the Canes for the last few summers.
"I like to say like in figure skating, if you're off fractionally, it's a matter of you landing on your head or landing on your feet," Jones said.
Jones's instruction was a part of a larger effort to develop these players by showing them their weaknesses and turning them into the best athletes they can be on the ice.
"I don't know if you saw some of the guys were struggling and utilizing momentum instead of utilizing like power and technique," Jones said. "That's again a leak of energy, and we don't want any leaks."
Great techniques for these players to use as they return to their junior leagues or college while proving they can be consistent NHL players.
"The skating was really hard," said William Hakansson, the Canes' 2nd-round draft pick in 2026. "It was amazing out there. She just floats around, and you feel like you've never been on skates before."
"You learn your edges and, and things you don't normally do on the ice, just to, you know, get connected with the ice and use your feet in different ways," said Zach Lansard, the Hurricanes' 3rd round draft pick this year. "It's great, you know, (there are) struggles, but you know you need to struggle to get better."