One of the most fascinating stories when it comes to the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the “Black Aces,” young players who join the team and practice with them but rarely see any playoff action. You might think they’re there just for some extra warm bodies, but the experience is invaluable for the players’ development — just ask Thomas Harley:
“Being here, I can tell I’ve gotten way better,” he said. “Just competing against NHL guys day in and day out has brought my game up. Even with the black aces, you have to compete to win the battle every single time.