Erik Middendorf skated onto the ice at Gila River Arena with a red No. 71 jersey and no nameplate on the back. Those in attendance at Monday’s prospect development camp were pondering the identity of the mysterious No. 71.
Middendorf, 18, of Scottsdale, wasn’t even listed on the camp roster. That’s because Middendorf only found out he was invited to participate just hours earlier, after wrapping up a workout Monday morning at the IceDen Scottsdale.
Although he knew he was in the running to make the roster, it was already the first day of camp and Middendorf hadn't heard anything.