You might expect things to be awkward for Trevor van Riemsdyk, the younger brother of former Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk who's found his way to Flyers development camp this week as an invitee.
But despite the fact that he's clearly trying to follow directly in his older brother's foot steps -- both played prep hockey at Christian Brothers' Academy in Central Jersey, both have played college hockey at New Hampshire, and both got some of their first NHL experience at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees -- he doesn't think it's strange at all.
"James has always had nothing but the best to say," Trevor, a defenseman, told reporters after Day 1 of development camp Monday. "Now that he's gone, he didn't have any harsh words to say going out, nothing but praise. It's cool to be here, obviously, for myself. I can just feel thankful that I got the opportunity and I'm going to try and make the best of it.
"I don't feel it's awkward. I mean it happens in the business, people get traded. Anyone can get traded. Obviously, [Paul Holmgren has] done some pretty big moves these last few years. I'm a different person. I guess some can see it as a little bit awkward but I really don't feel that way."
This week will be the second of two opportunities to impress NHL clubs this summer. Trevor was invited to Ottawa Senators development camp last week, where he donned the black and red for six days between June 26 and July 2.
van Riemsdyk was eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft back in June but was passed over by all 30 clubs. He'll be able to re-enter the draft next summer provided he doesn't sign a contract with an NHL club in the meantime. To do so, he'd have to leave UNH before the draft and sign an NHL contract.
During his freshman season with the Wildcats last year, van Riemsdyk scored four goals and 19 assists in 37 games, admirable numbers for a first-year defenseman in Hockey East.