2024 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Hosts Wealth of Talented Players – This was the 14th annual event. Upper Deck was there as usual, with players showing off their shooting skills and their flow. EA Sports was there too, capturing what they needed to. It was held in Arlington, Virginia at the practice rink of the Washington Capitals.
It featured 35 rookies including Rutger McGroarty who didn’t even have his name on his sweater. He was recently traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Macklin Celebrini was there talking about what a 1st overall pick goes through over the summer, heading into the season, and more. He mentioned that he had a Bobby Orr card in his collection. Pretty cool. His teammate Will Smith, wears #2, usually a defenseman’s number. It’s an homage to Hockey Hall of Famer, Brian Leetch and he’s hoping to create a new trend with offensive players wearing the low numbers.
A big Russian contingent included Philadelphia Flyers’ future star, Matvei Michkov. Rangers tough guy, Matt Rempe was there talking about fighting and scoring because he’s capable of doing both.
The NHLPA event serves as an opportunity to capture lots of photographs and video to be used on everything from trading cards, video games, promotional materials and more. It’s always fun seeing the new group of kids (and that’s really what they are) interact with each other publicly for the first time.
2024 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Hosts Wealth of Talented Players
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