NHL RDO Camp, Rookie Tournaments, & A Few Links

The NHL's Research, Development, and Orientation Camp kicks off tomorrow in Etobicoke, Ontario. The camp assembles some of the best draft-eligible junior talent in the world to evaluate and test potential rule changes, technological advancements, and equipment modifications in a controlled setting. The camp roster includes 2012 Sioux commit Jordan Schmaltz, and NHL.com did a brief breakdown of some of the top prospects. If you want to see what this camp is all about and catch a glimpse of the best 2012 draft-eligibles, check out the NHL Network's broadcast schedule for coverage info.

Speaking of Jordan Schmaltz, the Sioux City Musketeer blog posted a very well-done ESPN article in which he was featured.

Coming up in about a month are a handful of NHL prospect & rookie tournaments. Not a lot of team rosters have been confirmed as of yet, but one that has is Toronto's. The Maple Leafs will host a round-robin tournament of prospect teams from Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Ottawa, and former Sioux Matt Frattin is expected to suit up for the Leafs.

Other organizations with a potential Sioux presence that will be participating in September tournaments include Winnipeg, Minnesota, Buffalo, and Edmonton. I have not seen any other rosters thus far, but as they are made available they will be passed along.

The Team USA World Junior team evaluation camp wrapped up last weekend, and the USA squad lost twice to a very solid Sweden team and was able to pick up a victory over Finland. Incoming Sioux freshman Rocco Grimaldi played in six games (including Team USA split squad games) and racked up a line of 3G-2A-5P. Current Sioux sophomore defenseman Derek Forbort also played in six games, notching one assist.

Chicago Blackhawk captain Jonathan Toews won a recent TSN fan poll/tournament asking which player age 23 and under you'd most like to build a franchise around. With all that Toews has already accomplished in his sparkling career, it's hard to believe he won't turn 24 until April.

And lastly, the Regina exhibition game is still a month and a half away, but already Hab Nation is getting concerned that one of their top prospects, dynamic Sioux junior winger Danny Kristo, could go the route of Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel. Note that incoming Sioux freshman Mark MacMillan is another Canadiens prospect listed in the article...