NY Islanders' prospect Ross Mitton had a chance to skate with some of the organization's biggest stars this summer

The NY Islanders have emphasized signing local talent the last two summers, bringing in Marshall Warren of Laurel Hollow last year and Ross Mitton of Copiague Harbor at the end of this past season.

MItton, 25, played four years of NCAA hockey for Colgate University, taking advantage of his extra COVID year, transferring to the University of Maine for his fifth season.

After Maine's season, Mitton signed with the Islanders as a free agent, electing to play for his hometown team.

Mitton spent the summer skating with the Islanders

Being local to the area, Mitton has the advantage of being close to the Islanders' practice facility at Northwell Health, as well as the players while they're on the island.

"Being close to here, I live like 20 minutes away, I was fortunate to train with like, Barzal, Lee, and Pageau like all summer," MItton said after today's Rookie Camp. "I'm just very lucky to be here, and I'm just doing what I can to make the team."

Mitton made certain to take in all he could from the NHL veterans, absorbing the details on and off the ice.

"The details are outstanding," Mitton said. "Just the little things they do. Away from the rink, too - like off the ice and in the gym. They're very welcoming and very nice to me overall."

With an influx of talent entering the NHL recently out of Long Island, Mitton and Warren are hoping to continue to add to the list of Long Islanders to play in the top league in the world.

"Growing up, we always watched like Sonny Milano and Charlie McAvoy, you know, those big names growing up," Mitton says. "I guess we're just trying to fill those shoes as well and keep the tradition going."