Bellmore Native Skates With Islanders Top Prospects

Bellmore native K.J. Tiefenwerth spent most of last week skating on the ice he'd grown up dreaming of at the New York Islanders Prospect Camp at the Nassau Coliseum.

Tiefenwerth was one of seven Long Islanders selected to participate in the camp, which culminated with a scrimmage and skills competition on Saturday night in front of nearly 5,000 fans.

"It’s a blast," Tiefenwerth said of the camp. "It’s just an honor to be here. When I got the invite to the camp I was more than happy to come. Just to see some of the guys that are going to be playing on the Islanders in the future."

He added, "There’s some familiar faces like (Dan) O’Donoghue and (Danny) Linell, so I mean, it’s been fun so far."

Tiefenwerth earned his invite with his great vision on the ice and silky smooth hands. In 44 games this past season for the Junior Bruins of the Eastern Junior Hockey league, he amassed 57 points, including a team-leading 26 goals en route to being named the rookie of the year.

"The EJ was awesome," he said. "I played for Peter Masters, who’s a great coach. I plan on going to Boston College, so playing out there in Boston, it was like right next door. Being rookie of the year was a great honor. Going back there next year, hopefully we can win a championship."

Tiefenwerth, in his first professional prospect camp, made sure to take in the entire experience not only as a prospect, but as the Islanders fan he was throughout his childhood.

"I think it’s great they fill those spots with some local kids like ourselves," he said. "We have a blast being here. Being out there with those guys, it’s awesome. There’s nothing else we could ask for to do this week than be here."

"I think it’s great," Islanders head coach Jack Capuano said of having local players at camp. "I think I mentioned earlier, it’s a tribute to the parents who dedicate themselves, going to the rink very early in the morning, taking these kids to practice, to their youth hockey coaches, to their high school coaches."

The prospects, who skated as two separate units throughout the week, took part in a scrimmage and skills competition on Saturday night. Tiefenwerth and the White Team held on for a 6-5 victory over the Blue Team, which was comprised of many of the Islanders' high-profile draft picks.

"For the kids that are here, obviously it’s a thrill to come to the Coliseum and play with our guys," Capuano said.