Development Camp: Wiesblatt, Robins on How They’re Getting Better

The third day of the San Jose Sharks’ 2022 development camp saw the prospects scrimmage in the evening, but Tristen Robins and Ozzy Wiesblatt spoke to the media ahead of the event.

Robins knows what he needs to do to see more opportunity on a roster and has one specific area he has most been working with San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy.

Wiesblatt names a teammate who would be best at hosting a podcast, as well as what was happening at the end of his time with the Prince Albert Raiders and what he’s been working on to prepare for next season.

TRISTEN ROBINS

Robins, on which guy he’s gotten closest to at San Jose Sharks’ development camp:

I’d probably say Hatakka. Santeri Hatakka. Him and I are pretty close. So we’ve been hanging out a little bit and having some fun.

(Fun fact: Gannon Laroque has had the same answer in the past)

Robins, on what he’s improved most over last season, and where he wants to improve in the upcoming season — and if he prefers to play center or wing: 

I think to check both those boxes would probably be my defensive play. I think that’ll open up a lot more opportunity for myself. Being a more reliable player will put me in more situations on the ice.

I think whatever position the team needs me to play, I’ll be open to playing. I think I’m pretty versatile that way. I probably prefer playing center, but like I said before any position works.

Robins, on working with John McCarthy once again:

He’s been a great mentor. One thing that he works on with me pretty frequently is my faceoffs. He was really good in the faceoff dot, and I love hearing what he has to say.

Robins, on the surprise of Patrick Marleau helping at development camp:

So far it’s pretty cool just to have him around the rink. He’s a true professional. And you know, I haven’t got gotten too many chances to talk to him, but it’s just like I said, amazing to have him around.

Ozzy Wiesblatt

Wiesblatt, on who would be the best podcast host of the guys at development camp (excluding Ethan Cardwell, who has a podcast):

Maybe a guy like Ryan Merkley. I mean, he’s pretty good at talking and never really shuts his mouth, so he’d probably do great.

Wiesblatt, on coming back to San Jose at the end of the WHL’s regular season for a bit before heading back to Prince Albert for playoffs/if he was playing injured:

Yeah, I think mainly it was just to get my shoulder checked out. I had a little bit of a problem there for a little bit, but came here, checked it out and went back to playoffs and played a couple of games.

No, I was good [in the playoffs]. I was good. I didn’t want to come back if it wasn’t 100%. So it was completely good.

Wiesblatt, on what he’s worked on improving from last year:

I think one of the problems I had last year is I wasn’t really shooting the puck enough. I found myself getting to grade-A opportunities where I’d pass them up and I think that’s what I’m trying to do this summer is shoot the puck more. I know I can get myself to the right areas, but I think it’s just a matter of shooting the puck and kind of doing the simple play almost.

I know I have a good shot. I just got to use it.

Wiesblatt, on having worked with Barracuda head coach John McCarthy during his first go with the Barracuda in early 2021, how their relationship has been:

Yeah, we were pretty close doing video and stuff after practices, games, and just kind of looking at tape. Even this year, he came down to PA and we went out to dinner and talked about the season so far, and so, pretty good relationship with him. He’s doing a great job and obviously he’s the head coach for the Barracuda. So it’s going to be cool to see where it leads to.

Wiesblatt, on Doug Wilson Jr. no longer being with the organization and his mindset coming to camp with all of the changes to the front office:

Yeah, me and [Doug Wilson Jr.] had a good relationship. I went to his house and he was awesome to me and my family. So I can’t really thank him enough for what he’s done for me. It’s tough to see him go but whatever team gets him, they’re going to have a great guy.

Yeah, it’s a new front office, so you want to prove yourself again. These guys aren’t the guys that drafted me and so I want to show them how good I am and [that I’m] good off the ice too.