The Northtown Center in Amherst, N.Y., was buzzing with excitement on the final day of USA Hockey’s Boys National 15 Player Development Camp,

At the start of the camp, the best 15-year-old boys players from all over the country were divided into 12 different teams. These groups slept, ate, traine and practiced as a unit throughout the week as they competed against the other 11 squads in small-area games and full-ice game action. On the last day of camp, teams were matched up by record and faced off for one last chance to make an impression.

The highlight of the day was unquestionably Team Kelly Green’s improbable, come-from-behind 6-5 victory over Team Gold. Down 5-2 with just over 22 minutes to play, Team Kelly Green potted four unanswered tallies, including the game-winner from Cater Meyer in the closing minutes, to earn the win. 

The resiliency from Team Kelly Green came as no surprise to its coaches, including Andrew Erzen, who had been preaching the importance of team building and mental toughness throughout the week. 

“This is a tough camp,” Erzen said. “They’re not always going to have the ups. They're going to go through adversity and through downs. But as long as we focus on what's ahead and do it together, they're always going to find success and togetherness.”

Erzen, who currently leads player development for Ice Hockey Australia, traveled over 24 hours each way from his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, to take part in the camp. 

“It's been an amazing experience in regard to just seeing how things are done here,” said Erzen.

“We had a great staff. I’m coaching with Tommy Hill and Colin Martel. It was fantastic working with those two because they bring a different approach to the game but also a wealth of knowledge. It was good getting to know them, understanding their coaching philosophy and putting it all together for these kids.”

Erzen tried something new with his players to not only teach them valuable lessons for both life and hockey, but also to help bring them closer as a group in such a short time.

“To get some cohesion and chemistry, you need to find little things that spark that relatability anda sense of vulnerability,” he said.

“I brought in a stuffed kangaroo. That’s just a little mascot to bring everyone together and it's a little bit of a of a laugh and some fun. It helps us open up to the kids and be authentic. When they see that, then they start to open up as well. It takes time. It is hard in a week, but it can be done.”

Not only was the stuffed kangaroo, dubbed “Gumbo” by the Kelly Green players, a fun detail to keep things light, but it also came with an inspiring metaphor. 

“In Australia, kangaroos are one of two native animals that don’t have the ability to move backwards. It’s a symbol for unwavering determination to move forward and progress through challenges,” added Erzen.

The message of Gumbo resonated with Kelly Green forward Freddie Schneider, who tallied a team-leading nine points (4g, 5a) in four games at the camp.

“Our coach is from Australia, and he was talking about how Kangaroos can only move forward, and that's why they're special,” Schneider said. “That’s our team message, move forward. As a team, we're just moving forward every game and looking to do our best.”

Schneider entered the week knowing none of his teammates. By the end of his time at camp, he felt like he made countless strong connections with his peers from all over the country. 

“I didn't know anybody, which is a great experience to find new friends. I'm friends with everybody on the team now, which is super cool,” said Schneider. “The team bonding part is really special, getting to know everybody. You become close with your teammates. We're a special group here.”

Schneider and his teammates only had one week to learn from Erzen and the rest of the staff, but the on- and off-ice education made a resounding impact on the young players. 

“The main thing I learned was to be positive,” Schneider concluded. “Don’t look in the past if you have a bad shift, move forward.” 

USA Hockey Player Development Camps continue with Girls 15 National Camp, presented by AAA, in Oxford, Ohio. All games from USA Hockey Boys and Girls Player Development Camps are live steaming exclusively on USAHockeyTV.com.