REGINA – Connor Hobbs was back on the ice with the Regina Pats on Friday after a strong showing at Washington Capitals training camp.
“I thought I did quite well. I felt really good out there on the ice. I was confident, and I just couldn’t be happier with how things went down there,” said Hobbs. “Can’t wait to get back there for the next one.”
The 143rd overall pick from the 2015 NHL Entry Draft looked good at development camp earning himself an invite to the Capital’s main training camp, where he had the opportunity to skate alongside NHL superstars like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.
“At first you’re kind of amazed by these guys right, you’re usually just used to seeing them on a video game and stuff like that,” said the smooth skating defenceman. “When you’re practicing with those guys and you see how they practice there’s very few mistakes, but it’s not like their super human, they’re just like us but at a whole other level.”
It’s a level the 18-year hopes to be at one day.
“Just the way those guys carry themselves is pretty unreal, just very professional. It’s a little bit different than junior in that respect, but a really good group of guys there and it’s just like any other team right,” answered Hobbs when asked about the experience. “That’s just something I want to strive for is to be at that next level.”
With his first pro camp now under his belt Hobbs is turning his attention to the Pats and Saturday’s home opener. The 18-year-old is expected to log a lot of minutes for the Blue and White this season.
“Maybe a little bit nervous. It’s been a while since I had to be an older guy, leader on a team I guess, but no I’m excited. Everybody else in the room is excited,” explained the Saskatoon native. “Home opener at the Brandt Centre; I haven’t experienced one yet and I’m pretty excited.”
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