Day One of Washington Capitals rookie camp is in the books. The team held its first of four practices at McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis, Maryland on Friday. The goalies of the camp got some specific work in between 10:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., before they were joined by the rest of the camp until the session ended around 12:30 P.M. Four 2024 NHL Draft Class players are among those participating in the club’s rookie camp. Those four players are Terik Parascak, Leon Muggli, Ilya Protas, and Eriks Mateiko. Two of those four particularly stood out as the first day of the camp wrapped up.
Eriks Mateiko Brings More Than Size
One of the first players I noticed in rookie camp was forward Eriks Mateiko. Sure, the 18-year-old Latvian winger stands at six feet five inches, so that certainly helps being drawn into his play. However, size is not the only solid attribute he has. During drills, he displayed solid puck control. These tools can help Mateiko as he continues to develop his game and try to reach the NHL. When asked about what his strengths are to his game specifically, he said, “I think it’s my defensive side and how I can read the game as a defensive forward. Being also physical, being that guy who’s always on the puck. You know, always battling. Winning those puck battles. I think that’s kind of how I am. You know, more of a team player that’s getting teams momentum. An energy player, I would say…” Mateiko also stated he would classify himself as someone who does the dirty work, such as blocking shots.
When asked about what he thinks he needs to work on and get out of being at this camp, Mateiko responded, “I think definitely quicker reaction. I feel like everything here is going to be faster, so that’s a kind of thing you have to adapt. And definitely my puck protection…Still have to learn how to protect the puck better…”
The Capitals selected Mateiko in the third round (90th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. He played the last two hockey seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Saint John Sea Dogs. The 2022-23 campaign had Mateiko score 16 goals and register 20 assists for 36 points in 62 games. He followed up that season with 43 points in 49 games for 2023-24 (23 goals and 20 assists). Mateiko also has some QMJHL postseason experience for the Sea Dogs.
Ilya Protas Working on Making His Own Name
The Washington Capitals drafted Aliaksei Protas‘ brother Ilya with the 75th pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the 2023-24 season with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Ilya scored 14 goals and provided 37 assists for 51 points in 61 games. After rookie camp finished for the day, Ilya was asked about what he thinks he needs to work on going forward with his game. Ilya said he needed to work on skating, speed, and the physical aspect of his game.
If things continue to trend well for both brothers, they could very well play together in D.C. down the road. The Capitals, like with Ilya, drafted Aliaksei Protas in the third round of his respective draft (2019). The club specifically targeted Ilya as a draft choice, as they moved up to select him via a trade. There is a real possibility both brothers end up taking the ice together for the Capitals down the road. For now though, Ilya is getting some development work in along with the rest of the camp’s roster.
Day Two of the Capitals rookie camp takes place Saturday, September 14. Goalies will take the ice at 10:30 A.M. and they will be joined by the rest of the players for practice from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. Like today, it will be at McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis, and attendance is free.
