During the same week millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day, 32 young hockey players gathered at Irvine’s Great Park Ice looking to take the next step in their quests for long and fruitful NHL careers.
The Anaheim Ducks’ annual summer development camp, which opened there July 3 and runs through July 7, offers youngsters who have played mostly junior and collegiate hockey a glimpse of life in the big-time while also giving the club’s key decision-makers an up-close look at possible prospects for a much brighter future.