Bruins Return to Wilmington for Development Camp

It’s been just over two weeks since the Boston Bruins season came to a screeching halt in the Stanley Cup Final. But the offseason didn’t last very long for the black and gold.

A group of 24 young prospects hit the ice of Ristuccia Arena during the first day of development camp in front of a crowd of several hundred fans.

“It’s about learning the expectations of what the Boston Bruins have for each and every one of them, and the culture of the organization,” said Bruins assistant general manager Don Sweeney, who runs the camp each year. “This isn’t about earning a spot on any team today. It’s about what’s in front of you.”

The camp runs through the weekend and gives players who were recently drafted or are early in their career the chance to show off their skills.

Among the players on the roster was Ryan Fitzgerald, a North Reading resident whose father, Tom, played for the Bruins. In addition, his uncle, Scott Fitzgerald, is a Wilmington resident. 

“There were a few jitters but once you get out on the ice you cool down a little and everything is fine,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, who will head to Boston College to play for this Eagles this year. “To grow up watching this team and finally wear the logo, it’s something special. To be skating around in front of all those people, and to have a lot of people from my hometown out there, it was big.”