Ryan Chesley believes four-game stint with Hershey Bears will give him headstart during first NHL training camp: '[Got] used to the pro style, size difference, and speed'

"While Ryan Chesley was one of the oldest and most experienced Washington Capitals prospects on the ice at the Naval Academy's McMullen Hockey Arena this weekend, the week-long event marked his first-ever experience at a rookie camp. As a college draftee, he was unable to participate previously due to NCAA eligibility restrictions. The 21-year-old defender played three seasons at the University of Minnesota before signing his entry-level contract with the Capitals last May."

"After signing his deal with the Capitals, Chesley, the 37th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, was assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears, where he became one of head coach Todd Nelson's most-used youngsters at the end of the regular season. Chesley skated in four games for the Bears, recording three points (1g, 2a) total in those appearances. The Minnesota native believes that while his first pro stint was short, the experience he gained should aid him at his first NHL training camp with the Capitals."

""Yeah, it's been good," Chesley said Monday, "Skates have been hard, so I feel like it's getting us ready conditioning-wise for sure, and then we're doing battle drills out there, so competitive edge too. It's been good.""

Ryan Chesley, a 21-year-old defenseman and 37th overall pick in 2022, attended his first NHL rookie camp at the Naval Academy after signing an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals. He played three seasons at the University of Minnesota and could not attend prior rookie camps due to NCAA eligibility rules. Chesley skated in four AHL games for the Hershey Bears at the end of the regular season, recording three points. He said that brief pro experience helped him adjust to size, speed, and pro style, and that conditioning and battle drills at camp are preparing him to fight for an NHL roster spot.

Read at RMNB