By JACK WOODS

The 16th Elite Edge Showcase was an enormous success. Bringing 70 more players from different parts of the country and from Canada alone was a significant step to rebounding from the pandemic’s effects. 220 players will walk away from this showcase with a more complete understanding of the game of hockey, both on and off the ice. By prioritizing the educational aspects and allowing players the opportunity to gain different insights from multiple sources, Elite Edge has separated themselves from the competition.

Brandon Walker, head of the Elite Edge showcase, understands the gravity of this year’s camp and the opportunities these players have. “I think with the shutdown that happened last year, we did our absolute best. Kids were limited with who could travel, but we’re back to normal this year, with kids coming from around the country. We’re able to do things like the yoga session and the seminars. I think there’s an excitement from the kids that’s bleeding out onto the ice.”

Part of the showcase is creating a hockey-friendly atmosphere that promotes dedication. For Dominic Delgrosso, a South Shores Kings product and Massachusetts native, the atmosphere at Elite Edge is second to none. “Yeah, for sure. It’s different when you’re in Nashville, but it’s weird, everyone here is all hockey and it’s great.”

Richie Price, Texas native and South Shores King teammate of Delgrosso’s, also loved the environment. “I love the atmosphere. Especially being in the Predators locker room, seeing some of the guys. I know Pekka Rinne was here the other day, and that was very cool. Obviously a lot of Jr. Preds kids here, it’s just a great atmosphere that they’ve built here.”

Showcases present some challenges for the players, like different play styles and schemes, but the camp is designed to bring out the best in players. As long as players dedicate themselves to how they play and show effort, Walker believes they will reap the rewards.

“That’s always been the thing with the showcase. You have to play your game and do what you do best,” said Walker. “The effort and the commitment level are going to be seen by the coaches, and that’s part of it. This is something that kids have to be used to.”

Looking towards the future, the Elite Edge Showcase will be back next year and Walker is dedicated to maintaining its excellence and improving it further. Considering Elite Edge’s long NHL and other pro league alumni list, this showcase breeds professional talent and outstanding young men.

“I feel we’re in a really good space with the kids we have. I think the kids that come to Elite Edge are excited; they want to develop, improve, do all of the things that are needed to succeed. We have a great set of coaches who know how to help the kids. We’re trending in the right direction. This is one of the premier opportunities for kids from across the country.”

Elite Edge isn’t successful because of who stemmed from their program, rather they’re successful because of how they routinely spotlight the most important part of the showcase: the kids. Whether it be introducing a name to a coach or establishing a personal relationship with another player, there are a number of roads that these players can go down. Nashville’s presence on the hockey map continues to grow, and Elite Edge is at the forefront of that growth. This showcase, from the resources, the connections, and the provided opportunities for young players in this area, makes this city a staple in hockey development.