Bobsledding, soccer, and everything in between: Goldsmith reflects on development camp in Utah
Terrell Goldsmith has had the unique experience of attending NHL Development camp in two different environments. Going back to last year when he was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes and attending camp in the desert was his first crack at it. Fast forward a year later, and Goldsmith found himself moving just a bit north of Arizona, attending camp with the recently introduced Utah Hockey Club.
“It was a pretty cool experience. Utah’s a pretty spot and a nice area, and it was definitely fun getting to see all the staff and all the guys. It was an enjoyable experience.”
While the difference in location may have changed from the desert area to more of a mountainous region of the USA, Goldsmith says that’s about the only thing that’s changed with the organization.
“For me right now, it doesn’t really make a difference. I heard Utah is a pretty nice area, so it was exciting to come down. But nothing really changed for me in terms of being on a different team or anything. Just getting to go there and enjoy the experience was cool.”
Aside from the on-ice drills and scrimmages, the players were able to experience Salt Lake City away from the rink. Goldsmith described what some of the days looked like, varying from sitting in the stands of a 20,000 capacity soccer stadium, to travelling through the mountains high above sea level.
“We were in the mountains so the elevation is kind of crazy at 7,000 feet or something like that. You could feel the altitude change. We got to go to an MLS game, I don’t remember who they were playing, I’m not a huge soccer guy,” he said with a laugh. “We watched a bit of that, and we also went bobsledding too, which was a crazy experience flying down on those things. It was a nice area that we got to stay in with the team. The rink itself was different, it was big. You could tell it was meant for the NBA, but there was actually quite a bit of fans that came to watch which was really cool.”
“I took lots of photos, my mom wanted me to take a lot,” he laughed again. “The mountains are sweet down there. We have them in BC, but it’s nothing compared to Utah. It was pretty cool for sure.”
Talking about the development camp itself, Goldsmith described the kind of work that he, as well as the rest of Utah’s prospects put in. Those prospects, by the way, included a few people Goldsmith knows, with the likes of first round pick and Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla, as well as some of his buddies from the BC area.
“It was a lot of skill development stuff, getting some power skating in and getting to work with some of the coaches I’ve worked with before,” he said. “I got to meet some new guys, but Tij (Iginla) plays in Kelowna and he was there, and some guys from Victoria that I know. I got to meet some of the Euro players too. There weren’t too many new faces, but it was good to see everyone again.”
Entering his 19-year-old season, Goldsmith is coming off of what was a career year in what was his third full WHL season in 2023-24. The blueliner scored three goals and added a career high 12 assists for 15 points, while racking up 122 penalty minutes. He explained what he expects to achieve on the ice in 2024-25.
“Obviously it would be nice to see more out of myself offensively, but I think I’m a defensive defenceman that’s hard to play against. I play my role and want to play top minutes, and I just want to have a good year and be steady.”
And with a couple months still before he returns to Prince Albert for training camp, Goldsmith shared what he has been working on heading into next season.
“I would say my skating is something I’m always trying to improve, being more efficient. I’m always working on my shot and my puck handling, making that first pass. Off the ice, just getting stronger, faster, working on having quick feet.”
