Watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, you definitely got a glimpse of what's brewing between these two teams. As someone that's just turning pro, it's something that you want to be a part of one day. You really want to play a part in that battle for Florida each and every season.
On a more personal note, I felt like I was getting better with each and every game we played in Wesley Chapel. I was just trying to put my best foot forward and finish strong, so it was nice to get some goals over the final two games, especially with some of my family there in the stands.
I wanted to use these games to get my pace up. A lot of us have been doing summer skates, so to be able to get used to a higher pace of play before training camp is huge. Being able to score some goals and make good plays was also big for getting my confidence up. It's nice to feel like you're in good shape and your game is in a good place at this point of the year. It's a big plus.
Honestly, I can't wait to get back to Sunrise.
I'm so excited to participate in my first training camp. I've dreamt about this moment ever since I was a little kid, getting my first opportunity to try and make it in the NHL. I'm super excited. I've prepared all summer for this. I've done everything I can. I know when I hit the ice that my best foot is going to be put forward and that I've done all I can to be the best hockey player I can be.
When I first got down here and joined the NHL guys for some informal skates, it was just very surreal. That's a position that I'd dreamed about being in for so long. I was drafted in 2018, so I'd been watching those guys and this team for a long time. When you're doing that, you're just hoping that one day you get a chance to be out there with them. I want to soak everything in.
Every day is a great day when you get to do what you love. For me, that's playing hockey. After the injuries I've been through and some of the adversity I've faced, I don't take that for granted. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity ahead of me and just can't wait to start training camp.
With this being my last article, I also want to thank everyone for following along. When I was growing up, I know how much I would've loved to have read about what's going on during these camps - the logistics, the details, the behind-the-scenes stuff. I hope that these articles peeled back the curtain a bit for everyone and helped build up that excitement for what's still to come.
See you at the rink,
Logan
\As told to FloridaPanthers.com's Jameson Olive*
