Wild Developmental Camp 101 - Goaltenders

Soon, prospects from around the world will be gathering in Minnesota for the Wild's Developmental Camp. For a whole week, the prospects will learn from the coaching staff what it will take to become a professional hockey player and what they need to improve individually. They will also undergo team-building exercises and will be introduced to the Wild organization as to become familiar with the team before signing their first professional contract.

Within that week, there will be two scrimmages, one open to only season ticket holders, and the other, open to everyone.

Now, have you ever walked into a hockey game and had no clue who was on the ice? I have, and I'm assuming you all have too. The upcoming prospect scrimmage is no different, as it includes prospects from around the world. So, to help you out, Hockey Wilderness will give the crash course on the Wild prospects and on the camp invitees!

Comments are a collection of quotes made by fans, players, coaches and management found through different sources.

Wild Prospects

Goaltenders

Comments:
...athleticism...good size...quite technically skilled...very agile...moves smoothly in net...very good hockey sense...very capable stickhandler...considered quite raw...improve consistency...
Projection:
Former Assistant General Manager Tommy Thompson, who also ran the draft for the Wild, had Gustafsson ranked 44th overall in his rankings. Although a lot of Wild fans were never comfortable with Thompson running the draft, he still considered very skill at what he does, so 44th overall is saying something. Sounds like Gustafsson has all the tools, he just needs to put them all together in order to develop some consistency. NOTE: I know it says 5-6, 143lbs but he's actually 6-2, 207lbs.

Comments:
very athletic ... possesses good size ... covers angles well ... very poised ... good positioning ... needs to be more aggressive ...

Projection:
While Josh Harding’s days with the Wild slowly running out, Hackett is becoming the future for the Wild between the pipes. Considered one of the top goaltenders in the OHL, Hackett possess all the tools and skills to become a very good goaltender in the NHL, he will just need some time in the minor pros to adjust to the speed of the game, fine tune some of his skills and develop some consistency.

Comments:
big size ... good lateral movement ... solid rebound control ... athletic ... considered a project ... needs to develop consistency ...
Projection:
The biggest thing for Kuemper is consistency. He has the large size and the good mobility but he had a disappointing start to the season and a disappointing playoff performance as well. His second half performance was surprising a lot better. He played solid for his try out with the Houston Aeros so there is promise, he will just need some time to develop his game in the juniors.

Comments:
very athletic ... good rebound control ... quick and agile ... good reflexes ... cover angles well ... very poised ... needs to prove he can play against better opponents
Projection:
Endras was a surprise signing in July. He was the star goalie during the World Ice Hockey Championship, where he won pretty much every award possible for a goaltender. Endras will be returning to Germany this season to finish out his contract, but it’ll also give him time to develop his game and prove to others he can handle the load of a starting goaltender over a long period of time.