Smith on USA Skates, Musty Talks Muldowney Friendship, Pohlkamp Visiting Santa Cruz

Will Smith is proud to be American, that’s for sure.

On opening day of San Jose Sharks development camp, Smith stood out, and it wasn’t just for the puck wizardry that made him the fourth-overall pick of the 2023 Draft:

Will Smith with some patriotic skates on Independence Day (H/T ⁦@Real_Max_Miller⁩) pic.twitter.com/to5isBzPj2

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 4, 2023

Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks:

Smith talked about his patriotic skates and first impressions of San Jose, fellow 2023 first-rounder Quentin Musty gave us some background on his long friendship with San Jose Sharks prospect Joey Muldowney, and 2023 fifth-rounder Eric Pohlkamp hasn’t forgotten his USHL battles against Smith.

Will Smith

Will Smith, on if the USA skates that he wore today are special for Independence Day:

No, they’re for all of development camp. I used those at Worlds in Switzerland, so I haven’t switched out of them yet.

Smith, on his first impressions of San Jose:

It’s been good to meet all the staff, get to see San Jose, and try to explore a little bit and get a feel for the city…We went over to Santana Row, looked at the mall, and walked around.

Quentin Musty

Quentin Musty, on being at San Jose Sharks development camp with Joey Muldowney:

It’s the best. He’s a childhood friend. Grew up with him and played with him.

It’s just great to have him here. Like you said, pinch yourself. It’s pretty unreal.

Musty, on how long he’s known Muldowney:

Since we were four or five? Just playing. Both live in the same town. Been playing together, have similar friends.

Musty, on he and Muldowney’s childhood teams:

Yeah, Buffalo Sabres. We both liked the Detroit Red Wings as well. Growing up, [you’re] hoping [to play] for one of those two. But yeah, I’m pretty happy with what happened here.

Eric Pohlkamp

Eric Pohlkamp, on which San Jose Sharks prospects stood out to him most today:

Will Smith, but he’s got a big target on his back this week. (laughs) [We had battles] in the USHL.

Pohlkamp, on visiting his sister Sarah, who lives in Hayward:

When I got here, me and my sister went out to dinner. I think it’s called Santana Row out there.

Pohlkamp, on seeing the ocean for the first rime:

I saw it on the plane, but after this is over, we’re going to go to Santa Cruz.