Rookie Camp Spotlight: Future Stars on the Rise

There’s something special about rookie camp. It feels like the start of a new chapter, where hope and potential take center stage. The veterans aren’t here yet, the spotlight is a little softer, and the ice belongs to the kids who dream of making it big. For fans, it’s a chance to meet the names we’ll be talking about for years to come and this year’s group? Absolutely stacked.

From dazzling draft picks to free agent invites, rookie camp is buzzing with storylines. Let’s talk about a few standouts who already have us circling their names in pink highlighter.

Defensive Depth in the Making

• Cam Allen (D) – Drafted 136th overall in 2023, Allen put up an impressive 45 points with Guelph and London in the OHL 2024-2025 regular season. His offensive instincts from the blue line are hard to ignore.

• Ryan Chesley (D) – A 2022 second-rounder, Chesley had a breakout year at the University of Minnesota with 20 points in 40 games and showed poise in a short stint with Hershey.

Forwards with Flash

• Andrew Cristall (LW) – A 2023 second-round pick who led the WHL in scoring with 132 points, Cristall has the creativity and finish to make an early impression.

• Ryan Leonard (RW) – Drafted 8th overall in 2023, Leonard racked up nearly 50 points at Boston College and finished out a long hockey season playing with the Washington Capitals until the end of their playoff run.

• Patrick Thomas (C) – Captain of the Brantford Bulldogs and a 2023 draft pick, Thomas just capped off a 104-point OHL season before signing his entry-level deal.

• Kaden Bohlsen (C) – Signed to a one-year AHL deal with Hershey, Bohlsen brings a mature two-way game developed at Minnesota State. He put up 17 points in 28 NCAA games last season and has logged over 100 collegiate games — giving him a solid foundation as he transitions to the pro level.

Goalies Battling for Attention

• Chase Anderson (G) – A free agent invite out of Phillips Academy, Anderson is a longshot but carries intriguing size and athleticism that we can’t keep our eyes off of.

• Seth Eisele (G) – After a strong season with the Stingrays (2.30 GAA, .914 SV%), Eisele will look to solidify his spot as a depth option in the system.

International Flavor

• Ilya Protas (LW) – Dominated the OHL with 124 assists and earned recognition as the league’s most sportsmanlike player.

• Leon Muggli (D) – Picked 52nd in 2024, the Swiss defender was among the top goal-scoring defensemen in his league and has already represented his country on the international stage.

  

  Chase Anderson makes an impressive glove save during rookie camp practice at McMullen Hockey Arena. Photo Credit: Kristina Craven-Brennan

  
  

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Rookie camp is hockey’s version of “meet cute” season. We’re all picking our favorites, probably too soon, and pretending we’re not already emotionally attached. But honestly? That’s the magic of rookie camp: it’s not about who’s polished and NHL-ready yet, it’s about who might be. Some of these names will be with Hershey this season, some will take longer paths through development, and a select few might shock us all by making the big roster sooner than expected.

But one thing’s for sure: the energy is contagious. The kids are here, the future is bright, and we’re already picking favorites. Rookie camp isn’t just about potential — it’s about possibility. And this year’s group? They’re giving us plenty of reasons to believe!