Humboldt native talks summer of NHL Draft, development camps

Sep 1, 2026 | 4:01 PM

A Humboldt native is reflecting on what he’s considering the best summer of his hockey career so far, as he now refocuses on the task at hand.

Beckett Hamilton was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche 74th overall in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, before heading to Denver numerous times for development camps and team skates, as the organization evaluated his future on making it to the pros.

“It was unbelievable, obviously, and it seemed like it all kind of happened super quickly at the same time. It was hard to comprehend it all, but now looking back at it, it was pretty insane and a very special summer for me and my family. There was a lot of learning for sure, but being able to have that summer is everything you dream of,” Hamilton told northeastNOW.

“Looking back on draft day, it’s obviously a pretty nerve-wracking day. I was at the draft with my parents, and it was a very exciting day, but the lead-up to it and the unknown produces a lot of worry too. Once I heard my name called, though, especially by a team like Colorado who has a great history and is top-class, it was unbelievable. Just getting to go there and see what it’s like was incredible, and I know my family, and I will remember that moment forever.”

With his attendance at Colorado’s development camp, along with a return more recently to skate with some of the team’s veterans, Hamilton is already in great standing with the club, just a couple of months into his tenure.

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And while multiple goals and dreams have already been reached for Hamilton this summer, he’s said he’s got a lot more to chase, which starts with another successful season as the captain of the Red Deer Rebels.

“It seems I’ve made a good impression at the start, but that doesn’t satisfy me really. Obviously, there’s a lot to work on down the road because I’m not there yet, so I can’t be satisfied right now. I understand that there are things that I need to get better at and work on to be able to make that jump, so in the meantime, I’ll be working on those things till I’m fully ready,” added the 18-year-old.

“Obviously, the Memorial Cup is the goal here, and with this group in Red Deer, I think we’re going to be a good team. Working together here and having a good camp, and then getting the season started out on the right foot is huge for us, and if we come together, we’ll see results.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

Humboldt native talks summer of NHL Draft, development camps

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