The five-day affair concluded with a spirited and fast-paced three-on-three tournament, but the real value of Detroit Red Wings development camp is what happens away from the ice.
Nearly 50 players participated at Little Caesars Arena, including all 11 selections from the just-completed 2023 NHL draft. Dan Cleary, the assistant director of player development, was among the team personnel in charge of guiding the players the Wings are counting on to turn into future NHLers.
"We say it but I feel like they don’t believe us: It’s more just education," Cleary said Wednesday. "Come in, have fun, meet people, hopefully your future teammates.