Devil-ish taste of NHL
NEWARK, N.J. — It's not playing in the National Hockey League — but it's close.
And it's definitely whetting Jake Hildebrand's appetite.
Hildebrand, 20, is spending this week in the New Jersey Devils' rookie developmental camp.
With three years remaining at Michigan State, the Center Township resident and hockey goaltender was not drafted nor signed by the Devils and still has his collegiate eligibility.
“I have an adviser, not an agent, just trying to get my name out there,” Hildebrand said. “He called and asked me if I'd be interested in going to New Jersey as an invitee to this camp.
“I don't even know how they got my name or how this happened, but I jumped on it.”
The developmental camp is a series of meetings, practices, instruction and scrimmages involving non-drafted free agents and some minor leaguers in the Devils' organization.
Hildebrand is one of four goalies at the camp, joining 2010 third-round draft choice Scott Wedgewood, Brandon Hope and the Devils' seventh-round draft pick this year, Anthony Brodeur.
Brodeur is the eldest son of legendary Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur, who owns 669 regular season wins, 121 shutouts, 113 playoff wins and 24 postseason shutouts in his storied career.
“I've been able to spend a lot of time with these other goalies and they're great guys,” Hildebrand said. “I've learned some things from them.
“Martin Brodeur hasn't been around, but he's supposed to show up late in the week.”
New Jersey's NHL coaching staff — including goaltending coach and former NHL netminder Chris Terreri — has been working with the players and Hildebrand has been facing some skilled shooters in practice.
“I was nervous at first,” he admitted. “These guys are fast and have great shots and I let in a couple of goals early, but I've settled in and feel like I'm making a strong accounting for myself.”
Hildebrand and the other players have been wearing New Jersey Devil uniforms during the camp.
“I know it's not for real, but I can't describe how it felt slipping that jersey over my head,” Hildebrand said. “We've been treated first-class here all the way.
“I've gotten a taste of what the pro game is like and what level of player is up there. This experience has made me hungrier to pursue a pro career because I believe I can play at that level. I haven't felt out of place here at all.”
Hildebrand had a 2.35 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage while posting a 9-17-2 record with Michigan State last year.
After the Devils' camp, he plans on returning to East Lansing.
“I do summer camps there and we start practicing hard in the fall,” he said. “My goal is still to play in the NHL.
“This experience circulates my name a little bit. You never know when an opportunity might come. What I've done here certainly hasn't hurt my chances.”
