Charlie Hilton is one of the promising young players to watch this weekend at the Boston Bruins Rookie Camp. The Oshawa native has earned a golden opportunity as one of 11 players invited to participate in the 2024 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, taking place from September 13-16 at LECOM HarborCenter. Hilton, along with 25 other hopefuls, including draft picks and free-agent signings, will compete in three games over four days against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New Jersey Devils.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 204 pounds, Hilton, a left winger from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), is eager to make a strong first impression. Reflecting on his approach, Hilton said, “I’m just going to try my hardest, and work as hard as I can. I find when I work hard good things happen.” This determination is central to his mindset as he faces this critical opportunity to showcase his skills.
Hilton’s family and friends are making the three-hour trip from Oshawa to support him, which adds extra motivation for the young forward. “It’ll be fun,” Hilton said, acknowledging the support he’ll have in the stands. He aims to demonstrate his physical presence on the ice, utilizing his size and strength effectively. During the Bruins’ double sessions at Warrior Arena, Hilton held his own, matching up well against several of the team’s draft picks and showing no hesitation in playing physically along the boards.
The 18-year-old is coming off his first season of Major Junior Hockey with the Ottawa 67s in the OHL, where he netted four goals and seven points in 32 games. Reflecting on the jump from U18 hockey to the OHL, Hilton admitted that it was a significant adjustment but noted that he adapted quickly. “Going from U18 to Juniors is definitely way faster with more skilled guys, but as you get used to it you settle in,” he explained.
Wearing jersey No. 96, Hilton fits the Bruins’ renewed focus on adding size to their roster, but he recognizes that it will take more than just brute strength to stand out. “I just want to play my game,” he said. “I feel like I have good details in my game. If I just stick to that and work hard, that’s how I’ll get noticed.”
Despite being the youngest player at the camp, Hilton doesn’t feel out of place, chuckling as he mentioned that he wasn’t even aware he was the youngest. He’s also reconnected with a few familiar faces, including former Oshawa 67s player Brett Harrison and defenseman Jackson Edward of the London Knights. Hilton sees this as an opportunity to learn from more experienced players, saying, “I’ve watched a few of these guys like Harrison. He was in Oshawa, so I saw a lot of him growing up. I’ve played against Edward, and a few guys that I know of. I’m just looking to learn from them and take in what they do.”
Ottawa 67s general manager James Boyd offered high praise for Hilton, citing his growth and potential. “Charlie is a player whose game has shown tremendous growth over the last number of seasons,” Boyd said. “He has a quick release shot and uses his size effectively, driving the net and protecting the puck.” Boyd played a key role in securing Hilton’s invitation to the Bruins’ rookie camp, reaching out to Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel, who spoke positively about Hilton’s potential.
“He slipped through the draft, but he’s got a big frame,” Mougenel said. “He plays hard and has tons of courage. He’s going to get a good opportunity in the rookie camp to make some noise and have people say the right things about him. It’s up to him.”
Hilton’s combination of size, work ethic, and determination has set the stage for what could be a breakout performance at the Bruins’ rookie camp, as he aims to make a lasting impression on the organization.
