Carter Rigby’s first NHL camp was an eye-opening experience.
The former Penticton Minor Hockey Association product was invited to join Minnesota Wild prospects for the 2015 NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Mich., Sept.11-15. Carter earned the invite during the Wild’s rookie development camp in the summer.
“The tournament was good, our team wasn’t the strongest team there though,” wrote Rigby in an email.
In four games, the Wild earned one win, 5-2 over the New York Rangers.
“My first game was really good. Played well and the next two games were just OK,” said Rigby, who was released by the Wild from his professional tryout contract after the tournament. “Pretty cool to play against some big name players I’ve only heard of or watched on TV. Guys are all stronger and quicker too.
“Now that I got an opportunity to go to that camp, it’s nice to know now what I have to do to keep up with the big boys,” continued Rigby, who played major junior in Prince George, Kelowna and Swift Current. “Overall it was a great experience and hopefully get another shot one day again.”
Rigby, who also had stints with the Osoyoos Coyotes and Penticton Vees, is excited to start the next chapter of his hockey career, with the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport league.
