Development camp can often feel like going through the motions. Some prospects are content with blending in and absorbing everything around them. However, there are those who strive to leave a lasting impact and make a strong first impression. One such example is goaltender Samuel Hlavaj, who made quite the impression right from the start.

During the first day of camp, the Wild’s staff conducted physical testing for all players, including a specific assessment known as the Airdyne wind bike.

Airdyne wind bikes are a category of stationary bikes that increase in difficulty as you ride faster. Unfortunately, Hlavaj pushed himself a little too far and earned the nickname Mr. July when he ended up breaking the bike.

“I’m not sure,” Hlavaj responded when questioned about the bike’s fate. “I simply exerted too much force.”

Bikes may have been broken #OnTheHorizonMN pic.twitter.com/4r0nkBkaRo

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 10, 2024

“He possesses great power,” expressed Brad Bombardir, the Wild’s Director of Player Development. “We eagerly anticipate his presence this year as he transitions to North America. It may be a new experience for him, but we are committed to working closely with him and observing the outcomes.”

Charlie Stramel Reflects On Season, Excited For New Challenge 

Despite facing numerous challenges, the Wild’s 2023 first-round pick has encountered a bumpy journey. However, the organization remains committed to supporting the Minnesota Native, with the expectation that he will rediscover his form on the ice.

Stramel, who had a successful stint with the Wisconsin Badgers for the past two seasons, has made the decision to transfer to Michigan State. He will be joining Adam Nightingale, his former coach at the National Development Program, where he experienced great success.

Stramel acknowledged facing some injuries at the beginning, which affected his performance on the ice. He also mentioned playing in a lower position and not reaching the top spot throughout the season. He admitted that it was not an ideal situation, but now that he is at Michigan State, he is excited and motivated to prove himself this season.

Stramel’s main goal for the upcoming season is to reclaim his true game. The game that caught the attention of the Wild during the draft, with hopes that it would seamlessly transition to the NHL. Standing at 6-foot-3, Stramel possesses the physical attributes of a power-forward, but he deviated from that style of play in the past two years, resulting in a couple of challenging seasons.

Stramel expressed his desire to return to his true identity as a power forward and a 200-foot center. He emphasized the importance of excelling in winning draws and being effective at the net front. Reflecting on his time at Wisconsin, he acknowledged that deviating from his strengths had a negative impact on his performance. Therefore, he emphasized the need to remain true to himself and focus on honing his skills to become the player he aspires to be at the next level. Ultimately, he stressed the significance of sticking to the basics.

However, the change will bring positive benefits for Stramel. Having the opportunity to play under a coach he is already acquainted with will greatly impact Stramel and hopefully help him regain his former level of performance.

Bombardir expressed excitement about the upcoming transition for him going to Michigan State this year. According to Bombardir, he has a strong rapport with the coach and believes that Charlie will benefit from this familiarity. In their conversation, Adam emphasized that the change isn’t solely about switching jerseys, but rather about Charlie’s growth as a player. Bombardir shared his enthusiasm for Charlie’s future development and expressed his support for him at Michigan State.

2024 12th Overall Pick Zeev Buium Is Almost Ready To Make The Jump 

Zeev Buium is a perfect fit for the Wild organization as they prioritize winners. The recent first-round pick of the Wild has already achieved remarkable success, winning two championships and a Gold Medal during his freshman season in college hockey.

At the 2024 World Juniors Championships, NCHC conference championship, and Denver University’s National Championship, Buium, 18, emerged victorious, clinching a Gold Medal with team USA. Furthermore, he triumphantly secured the last two championships at the Xcel Energy Center.

“I find it really cool. We even won the NCHC in their arena, so having two championships in just four games feels pretty amazing. It’s awesome,” Buium expressed, referring to his familiarity with St. Paul. “I believe it’s a great beginning, and I hope it continues to progress.”

Buium stole the spotlight at the development camp, captivating the attention of everyone present. The TRIA Rink in St. Paul was brimming with eager fans, who eagerly anticipated the performance of Wild prospects, particularly enthralled by Buium’s impeccable skating skills and remarkable abilities. Through his impressive display, Buium left a lasting impression on both Wild management and the fans, solidifying his position as a highly promising prospect who is on the verge of making a successful transition to the NHL.

“Bombardir expressed his admiration for the exceptional young player, stating that he loves him and finds him to be a confident individual. This self-assuredness seems to fuel his success on the field, making him an impressive player. It is essential for him to maintain this confidence, as he has consistently achieved victories, particularly in our home arena. We can only hope that this winning streak persists.”

He is actually quite near. He is reasonably close. Only time will reveal the truth. Typically, my response would always be this: The decision lies with the player and their dedication to their play and preparation. When they feel prepared and ready to take the leap, we will be there to provide our support.

In hopes of securing another National Championship, the 6-foot defenseman will return to Denver for his second year, joining forces with Riegor Lorenz, another Wild draft pick.

Riley Heidt Is Ready For The Next Step

After the remarkable year he just had, there is no doubt that Riley Heidt, the Wild’s 2023 second-round pick, possesses an extraordinary level of confidence, which is undoubtedly beneficial for a hockey player.

Heidt had an outstanding season in the WHL, surpassing a Prince George Cougars playoff record for the highest number of career assists in the history of the franchise.

In addition to that, Heidt dedicated himself to improving his defensive skills prior to the 2023-24 season and found satisfaction in contributing to the penalty kill. As a result, Heidt achieved an impressive third place ranking in scoring within the WHL.

Last year, the center standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall achieved an impressive record of 37 goals and 80 assists in 66 games for Prince George. He made a remarkable leap from a 97 point season the year before to 117 points last year, setting personal bests in all offensive aspects. During the 2022-23 season, Heidt shared the top spot for assists with Connor Bedard, both attaining 72 assists. Additionally, he secured the second position in assists last year with a total of 80.

Bombardir expressed that the primary focus of his year was excelling as a PK player, which he accomplished successfully. His determination at the start of the year was commendable, and it enabled him to enhance his overall performance. Bombardir emphasized the team’s admiration for his dedication, as it contributed to his personal growth. It was always emphasized to all the players that they should strive not to be sent home, and Billy consistently embodied this mindset.

The Wild’s staff will face a challenging decision when it comes to Heidt’s future, considering his impressive season and unwavering confidence. However, Heidt firmly believes that he is prepared to begin the year in the NHL.

“I personally have confidence in my abilities and believe that I have a strong chance of making it to the NHL. I have dedicated my entire life to hard work, and I feel like I belong in this league,” stated Heidt, expressing his readiness for the NHL. He continued, “Ultimately, it will come down to my determination to compete every day and give it my all to achieve my goal. Pursuing this dream has been my passion from the very beginning, and I wouldn’t be involved in this sport if I didn’t aspire to reach this level.”