Carroll graduate lives pro life at Stars development camp

Growing up in Southlake, Brendan O’Reilly idolized defenseman Sergi Zubov, who pulled on a black and green sweater for the Dallas Stars for 12 seasons.

“He did everything right in the D-end,” O’Reilly said. “I kind of idolize him and kind of molded my game after his play.”

Though the jersey may be a different shade of green than that which Zubov wore, O’Reilly had the chance to pull on his own Dallas Stars jersey as an invitee to Dallas Stars development camp last week.

Development camp is the opportunity for the Stars to assess the development of top prospects in the organization. Undrafted players are typically invited to get the professional experience so the organization can keep their eyes on potential hidden gems.

The Stars always invite several players with roots in Metroplex youth hockey each year, including O’Reilly, a 2015 Carroll graduate and former Dallas Stars Elite player.

“This is a great experience,” he said. “The speed is pretty quick. I’m acclimating to that. Playing with older players that are more experienced, it really helps you develop as a young kid.”

O’Reilly spent last season with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL where he recorded 3 points in 45 regular season games.

After the conclusion of his season, he received a call from Dallas Stars assistant general manager Les Jackson, inviting the 18-year-old to the organization’s prospect camp.

“It was really exciting to accept the opportunity,” O’Reilly said.

The camp’s youngest player is part of a growing trend of hockey players finding professional success with ties to youth teams in the Metroplex.

The flag bearer for the push is the son of former Dallas Maverick Popeye Jones, Seth Jones, who was drafted fourth overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2013 NHL Draft. In two full seasons in the league, Jones has recorded 27 points, including 8 goals in 159 games.

O’Reilly said it’s a trend he hopes to continue.

“I’m wrapping my mind around it, but it’s definitely something I want to accomplish and I work hard every day for it,” he said. “It’s definitely my main goal. I really want to pursue this sport.”

Now a veteran of the WHL, O’Reilly returns to the Tri-City Americans at the end of August with experience playing against some of the top prospects from around the world and NHL-level instruction.

He also returns as a mentor, as his younger brother Ryan, who finished his freshman year at Carroll this spring, was selected by the Americans in the 2015 WHL Draft.

No matter where his career takes him, he will always cherish the memory of spending a week at StarsCenter Frisco, living the life of his idol for his favorite team.

“It’s a dream come true playing here,” he said.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Carroll graduate lives pro life at Stars development camp."