Adam Jiricek’s Journey at the Blues’ Development Camp
In Maryland Heights, Missouri, Adam Jiricek, the St. Louis Blues’ first-round selection from the 2024 NHL Draft (picking 16th overall), is embracing the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Blues’ development camp. The 19-year-old defenseman has overcome significant obstacles in the past few years due to injuries, starting with a severe knee injury he suffered during the 2024 World Junior Championship.
Overcoming Challenges
Feeling optimistic, Jiricek shared,
“I feel great right now. I’m 100 percent healthy, so I enjoy coming here. I’m playing hockey, which is what I like to do.”
However, his journey back to health has been challenging. Since the previous two seasons, Jiricek has participated in only 71 games across all levels, including nine games in the playoffs last year. His time with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League saw him total 36 games, as he battled another lower-body injury related to his knee issue.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
Reflecting on his experiences, Jiricek acknowledged the difficulty of being sidelined:
“It was hard. It’s not easy. Every hockey player wants to play hockey, but you need to move on and deal with it to become a better player and stay healthy.”
Jiricek also emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset despite the setbacks, stating,
“You can’t change the kind of player you are. Sometimes injuries happen, and you just have to deal with it.”
Goals for the Upcoming Season
Jiricek’s immediate goals are clear as he prepares for September’s training camp in St. Louis. With a past season that yielded 12 points (four goals and eight assists) across 27 regular-season games and one goal and one assist in the playoffs, he is eager to make a lasting impression.
“I’m open to any options. I’ll do what they tell me,”
he said about his aspirations to earn a spot on the roster.
“My goal is to stay here in St. Louis, but if that’s not going to happen, we’ll see what’s next.”
Looking Ahead
The upcoming season presents hurdles for Jiricek, with the Blues recently acquiring 22-year-old defenseman Logan Mailloux from the Montreal Canadiens, which solidifies the roster. Tim Taylor, the Blues’ assistant general manager, noted Jiricek’s growth and strength, stating,
“He’s healthy and getting bigger and stronger. Each year brings a new outlook for these players.”
General Manager Doug Armstrong reinforced the need for Jiricek to stay fit, remarking,
“He needs to put together a solid, healthy year. It’s hard to make the club while injured. You need to be able to play and prove your worth on the ice.”
Armstrong, however, acknowledged that at only 19 years old, expectations should be measured, comparing Jiricek’s potential with successful players like Robert Thomas and Robby Fabbri.
Focusing on the Game
Currently, Jiricek is focused on the game, preferring not to dwell on past injuries. He stated,
“Right now, when I’m healthy, I’m not focused on that. I just focus on playing hockey. I had some injuries, but that’s unlucky, and I want to stay here now. This camp is fun and about learning, and we have a great group of guys. I will keep working hard and see where things lead.”
