Jake Hildebrand, a junior goaltender at Michigan State University and Butler graduate, was invited to the Pittsburgh Penguins rookie developmental camp in July. Last season, Hildebrand attended the New Jersey Devils camp.

CENTER TWP — Jake Hildebrand continues to gain experience.

This year, the Center Township resident and Michigan State junior goaltender will get to do that close to home.

Hildebrand accepted an invitation to attend the Pittsbugh Penguins' rookie development camp in July.

Hildebrand, who attended the New Jersey Devils camp last season, has two years of college eligibility left.

College players, like Hildebrand, who aren't drafted or signed are allowed to attend the camps.

Playing in front of the coaches of the team he rooted for growing up is exciting for Hildebrand.

“Absolutely, growing up (Marc-Andre) Fleury was my favorite goalie,” Hildebrand said. “It's definitely not my end goal, but it was one of them along the way.”

Hildebrand was also invited to attend the Anaheim Ducks' camp, but the timing didn't work out with his schedule.

While Michigan State struggled at times, Hildebrand was one of the Big Ten's top netminders. He was one of the 18 finalists for the Mike Richter award given to the best goaltender in Division I hockey.

Starting 32 of 36 games for the Spartans, Hildebrand finished with an 2.22 goals against average and .923 save percentage.

Going to the rookie development camps is a good barometer for where prospects are at.

“It's really exciting to go and experience what happens there,” Hildebrand said. “Usually you go to a few practices and scrimmages, they want to see you work out. It's not too hard, it's more fun than anything.”

Last year, Hildebrand was one of four goalies invited, including 2010 third-round draft choice Scott Wedgewood, Brandon Hope and the Devils' seventh-round draft pick this year, Anthony Brodeur.

Broduer is the eldest son of legendary New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur.

At the end of the camp, each player has a meeting with a few of the scouts and player directors.

“They just said to keep doing what I'm doing,” Hildebrand said.

In the summer, Hildebrand says he likes to try and take a break after the long hockey season.

He's trying to work on little things, like rebound control.

“You kind of want to walk away from it,” Hildebrand said. “You work on things that you can't do during the season like strength.”