Midway through the doc, we learn how impressed the Caps organization is with 2011 sixth-round draft pick and Eric Fehr lookalike, Travis Boyd. According to Head Coach Barry Trotz, the unheralded and virtually unknown prospect will get a prime opportunity to make the team during this year’s training camp.
“I think you’ve done a tremendous job and we’re really happy,” Trotz said to Boyd, matter of factly. “You’re going to get a good opportunity at camp in the exhibition games and all of that. Showcase yourself. Get ready for that and go for it.”
“To Trotz-y’s point, it’s your time to start thinking about being an NHL player now,” Assistant Coach Blaine Forsythe adds. “He said you were close. We knew you were close. We talked to [Hershey Bears Head Coach Troy Mann]. We know how they felt about you at the end of the year – what a big role you played for them in the playoffs. Don’t think we didn’t notice that. We hadn’t talked about it so it’s a good sign for you. It’s a good positive thing for you.”
“I see you having some impact for us so that’s awesome,” Trotz concludes. “Good work on you.”
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Trotz also meets with Riley Barber and says he believes the 2012 sixth-round pick will make his NHL debut next season.
“Riley, you’ve got some hockey sense,” Trotz says. “You’ve got that real good release. You’ve got a short game. You’re at the point where you can challenge and can push people. I expect you to play some games [in the NHL]. There’s no guarantee, we have a pretty good hockey team, we’re pretty deep, but at the same time, I think you can challenge them. Push someone out of the job. Go take someone’s job. If you knock someone out of a job, we’ll get you in the line-up – plain and simple.”
Other notable moments include:
Steve Richmond Meets Lucas Johansen For The First Time
After walking down a hallway to Mitch Korn’s office, Director of Player Development Steve Richmond tells 2016 first-round pick Lucas Johansen that it’s possible, but unlikely, that he could make his NHL debut this season out of training camp.
“Now that you’re drafted, you’re my responsibility,” Richmond says. “You can make me look good or make me look for a new job.”
“I’ll make you look like a million bucks,” Johansen replies.
Richmond also explains to Johansen that he will make surprise visits when he plays games with his junior team, Kelowna.
“Where we [eat afterwards] depends on you,” Richmond jokes. “If you’re playing good, we’ll go to the best restaurant in the city.”
Towards the end of the conversation, Richmond can’t hold back his excitement about Johansen’s talent.
“You’re a heck of a pick for us from where we got you,” Richmond tells the player.
Troy Mann Enjoys Torturing His Players
During the first day of workouts, Troy Mann seemed to enjoy all the pained faces he saw out on the ice.
“How’s the legs feeling boys, after doing nothing for two weeks?” Mann says.
“I’m dying out here,” Travis Boyd replies.
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Mitch Korn’s Clever Goalie Metaphors
During an early day at camp, the Capitals capture a conversation between Goaltending Coach Mitch Korn and Mann about highly-touted goaltending prospect, Ilya Samsonov.
“His catching glove is a frying pan.” Korn says, implying that Ilya can’t keep any shots in his glove because his glove is so rigid.
“Oh is it?” Mann replies.
“Oh, he held on to that one.” Korn notices.
“You think it’s because of new gear or no?” Mann asks.
“I think that’s some of it.” Korn says.
Troy Mann On Nu-Age Coaching
“Coaching in general has changed over the years,” Mann says during an interview. “The player of today is in the ‘know’ in terms of they want to know what’s going on. You’re playing psychologist, father figure, and mentor all in one. I think you need to find a balance to get the most out of each player.”
Lucas Johansen Got Lost In The Ballston Parking Lot
Johansen and several prospects walk into the lower level of the Ballston Mall and are very confused.
“Do you know where to go?” Johansen asks a teammate. “Does anyone know where to go here?”
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