CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former Canisius captain Ryan Schmelzer has been invited to attend the New Jersey Devils Development Camp, the organization has announced.
Schmelzer will be one of 33 draft picks and prospects that will take part in the five-day camp, scheduled for July 10-14 at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, N.J. He is the second Golden Griffin player from the 2017-18 roster to take part in a NHL development camp this summer, as rising senior Dylan McLaughlin participated in the New York Rangers’ camp last month.
The professional-level camps are designed to give players the experience of an NHL training camp. Rookies and prospects participate in on-ice practices and scrimmages, medical and fitness training, meetings and seminars, as well as off-ice team-building activities.
Schmelzer signed a one-year contract with the Devils’ American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton last month after posting a team-best 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff contests for the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder during the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
A native of Buffalo, Schmelzer appeared in 143 games during his four seasons with the Golden Griffins. A two-time All-Atlantic Hockey Conference selection and the league’s Top Defensive Forward in 2016-17, Schmelzer ended his collegiate career ranked among the top-10 players in the Division I era of the program in goals (40/T-10th), assists (66/10th) and points (106/T-10th).
Serving as team captain for the 2017-18 season, Schmelzer was an All-Atlantic Hockey Third Team selection after ending the season third on the team in scoring with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists). A Senior CLASS Award All-American First Team selection, Schmelzer ranked second on the squad in both plus/minus rating (+11) and game-winning goals (4).
Season tickets for the 2018-19 season of Canisius hockey are now available and can be purchased by calling 716-888-TIXX or by visiting the tickets page at GoGriffs.com.
