Fox to Face Teammates in All-American Prospects Game

USA Hockey National Team Development Program

Fox to Face Teammates in All-American Prospects Game

By Becky Olsen, 09/22/15, 9:00AM EDT

Adam Fox Eager to Show Improvement in Year 2

Photo by Tom Sorensen

When Adam Fox suits up for Team Jeremy Roenick at the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game on Thursday, he’ll see some familiar faces across the ice.

While 21 players with National Team Development Program affiliations will appear in the fourth annual showcase, five of Fox’s Under-18 teammates will be suiting up for the opposing Team Derek Plante.

“It’s going to be a little weird,” Fox, a 5-foot-10, 183-pound defenseman, said. “We do practice against each other every day, but this will be a new experience. Once the game starts, I think we will not be out of place. It should be fun and we have no bets.”

Though he added, “It would be fun to beat my teammates and have some bragging rights.”

Winning the game — and more importantly, showcasing himself in front of the fans and the NHL scouts at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York — is a top priority for this week. But Fox’s attention will quickly go back to the NTDP.

Fox said he feels stronger and faster going into his second NTDP season.

“This spring, we worked out and I really put on the weight,” he said. “Plus, it helps that we have a year playing with each other.”

One noticeable on-ice difference for Fox is his play in the defensive zone.

“Coach [Danton] Cole has definitely made it a big part of my game,” he said. “I’m more of a complete player now. Defensively, I can really be in any role. You can see everything in front of you. You really control the game. You defend the goal, you can start the play and you see the ice.”

Those improvements, plus those of his teammates, have Fox eager to start the season.

“I definitely think we are better as a team,” he said. “It will be fun to watch, and I can’t wait to play in the USHL. Especially, in some ways, it will be a ‘revenge’ factor. I think teams will see our improvement, and we want to show the strides we have made as a team. It should be a fun year.”

In addition to making strides in the United States Hockey League, Fox is eager to make a strong showing against the college opponents this season.

“It’s going to be another challenge,” he said. “It’s going to be a good and fun experience, and it will allow me to see what to expect in another year.”

Fox, a Jericho, New York, native, plans to attend Harvard University after his playing days at the NTDP are over. But he’s already looking forward to playing one of Harvard’s rivals this season.

“I’m looking forward to playing Boston University,” he said. “One of my good friends [and former NTDP player] Charlie McAvoy plays for BU. Plus, my parents will be able to come and watch me play.”

Deciding to play for Harvard was easy, he said.

“It is the best of both words: I can get a great education and it has a great hockey program,” he said. “Plus, the city of Boston is great. There is not much to dislike. It’s only about 20 minutes to BU and BC, where some of my former teammates and friends are playing. I’ll be able to see everyone. Plus, it’s close enough for my parents to get to a few more games.”

For now, Fox is focused on this season — and particularly the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s Under-18 World Championship in North Dakota.

“We really started prepping for this on day one,” he said. “We have had one goal and that is to win the gold medal. We need to get better every day. When we play the college teams, that will only help to play against good competition. We have struggled against Russia as a team, but we are working to get better every day.”

Preparing to face international competition is hard work, but it’s an opportunity Fox doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s so special. I get to come here every day and wear the colors,” he said. “I know what it represents and to wear the USA across my chest, it’s an honor to be here.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.