Estevan's Brayden Pachal went into the Calgary Flames prospect development camp as an invitee last month, hoping to earn a spot on their rookie camp roster in fall. Now it seems he's achieved that spot.

After a training session ahead of the rookie camp, Pachal spoke about the work he put in at the Flame's July development camp. He said although it was hard work, he came away having enjoyed himself.  

"Going to my second camp I had higher expectations for myself, knowing what to expect," he said. "I went in with a goal in mind and soaked in everything that those great hockey minds told me."

The 19-year-old Estevan-born defenseman, who turns 20 later this month, spent last season as an assistant captain with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League. HIs physical brand of hockey attracted notice both during the season, and in camp.

"I'm pretty confident in the skills that I have but I know what kind of player I am," said Pachal. "I'm not going to be an offensive guy when it comes to the next level. I showed off what I can do with the puck and with my skating, but I think I did really well in the game and showed the way I play."

Pachal entered the development camp as an undrafted player and one of the younger skaters. For him to earn a place in rookie camp he must have made quite an impression on the Flames coaching staff.

"I was one of the younger guys out there but I think I stood out a bit. Getting invited back for their rookie camp, obviously I did some things right."

"When you're playing that high level of hockey it's super competitive," he added. "We're all there for a chance to get that rookie camp spot so it was definitely a tryout feeling. But at the same time you're there to learn and develop. It is a development camp." 

The Flames coaches want to see Pachal get quicker over the offseason, something he's been working on during the summer. He'll be able to show off that quickness during exhibition games against the Edmonton Oilers rookies in September. Previously the Flames had sent a team to a rookie showcase in Penticton, British Columbia, but this year they're handling their rookies a bit differently.  

"We're playing a game in Red Deer and a game at the Saddledome," Pachal said. "I'll be up there for about two and a half weeks, trying to earn a spot for main camp." 

The Flames have talked with Pachal about how he might still find a way to the professional ranks, even though he hasn't been drafted. That, says Pachal, is too far in the future for him to worry about right now.

"They talked about their captain and how Mark Giordano wasn't drafted and how now he's a captain in the NHL looking for a Stanley Cup," Pachal said. "For me it's just about not giving up and working hard. I'm being given an opportunity in Calgary, and as they told me everyone looks for an opportunity." 

"My goal going in is to just play my game and not worry so much. I don't have that much pressure on me. Just go there, do what I know I can do and push for a main camp spot."

The Flames begin their exhibition game schedule on September 15 in China.