In the month of July exists a hockey oasis for the best college players, a stopover in the spotlight that falls three months after the Frozen Four and three months before the start of the season.

Dozens of college players are participating in NHL teams’ development or prospect camps, either suiting up for the teams that drafted them or upon invitation as free agents. It’s an opportunity to improve conditioning and skills during the summer, and showcase their talents to NHL teams.

For the NHL teams, it’s a chance to introduce players to a pro lifestyle.

“When 20- or 21-year-old kids enter the league they know how to play hockey,” said Pittsburgh Penguins assistant to the general manager Tom Fitzgerald, a Providence alum whose son has committed to Boston College, on penguins.nhl.com. “The hockey aspect takes care of itself. It’s the other stuff that we put a lot of value on. A big part of hockey is the mental side – that’s why we have professionals who come in, work with these guys and give them answers to things that might come up.”

For the players, it’s a learning experience and a development opportunity – something they can build on when returning to campus or embarking on their pro career.

"I’m just trying to have a lot of fun with it,” said defenseman Scott Mayfield, who is attending New York Islanders camp and will be at Denver in the fall. “I think it’s a great experience. Not a lot of kids get to do it. It’s nice meeting all the guys in the organization. That’s what I want to take from it."

It’s also a chance for the NHL media to get to know the league’s future talent. Below are a collection of interviews from NHL team web sites conducted during development camps.

The Hobey Baker winner last season, Andy Miele signed with Phoenix and took part in their prospect camp.

Alex Killorn talks about his development at Harvard and closing in on his college degree.

Max Everson will follow Killorn and his older brother, Marshall, to Harvard, and shared his excitement with the Toronto Maple Leafs media.

Taylor Fedun is excited for his first pro season after graduating from Princeton.

Dillon Simpson looks forward to returning to North Dakota while following in the footsteps of his father, Craig.

Derek Forbort raves about his first season at North Dakota in his visit to Kings camp.

Jake Gardiner told Maple Leafs reporters about his success at Wisconsin and his hopes to finish up his degree after signing a pro deal as a junior.

Another Wisconsin defenseman, John Ramage, talks about his father’s guidance and his experience with the Badgers.

Miami goaltender Connor Knapp spoke at Sabres’ camp about the ways his game has evolved and the RedHawks’ goals for his senior season.

Notre Dame's Joe Lavin took part in Chicago's development camp.

North Dakota recruit J.T. Miller talked about his experience at Rangers’ camp.

Rensselaer defenseman Patrick Koudys spoke after day two of Capitals' camp.

Future Gopher Travis Boyd joined Koudys at Caps camp.