Noaraba’s Rookie Camp Journey with the Rangers

Noaraba kicked off his first Rangers Rookie Camp with significant energy and excitement.

After wrapping up his junior season at Colorado College, he played 11 games for the Wolfpack last season. Now, at 22, he’s regarded as one of the promising players that Rangers management has been keen to spotlight this week.

During his camp, Noaraba got some real game action over two nights, Friday and Saturday, against the Flyers in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He shared the rink with two other rookies who have NHL experience, Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann.

The Rangers find themselves somewhat lacking at center, which might just open a quick path for LABA.

“Like everyone else, I aim to make the New York Rangers, and that’s my focus,” he stated earlier this week. “I’m here to compete, showcase my skills, and really let my strengths shine.”

It’s possible that even if he impresses, making the roster after training camp might be a long shot. He’s behind players like JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Sam Carrick, Johnny Brozinski, and even Center/Wing Mikazibanejad on the depth chart. However, there’s still value in his time at Hartford.

Having served as an assistant captain at his school, he mentioned that it taught him not only leadership but also helped hone his skating skills as he accrued significant ice time.

“I wanted to be that guy when I decided to attend,” he remarked.

At 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, the Michigan native certainly makes an impression. He described himself as a two-way center, emphasizing the importance of playing well both defensively and in the neutral zone. Transitioning to the larger and quicker players in the AHL posed some challenges. Still, he viewed last season as a crucial learning experience.

“I think those AHL games were critical, and I’m quite pleased I got that opportunity at the end of the year,” he noted. “If I hadn’t, I might not feel as prepared stepping into camp.”

Last season, he scored three goals with two assists across those 11 games with the Wolfpack, mainly playing on the top two lines alongside Brendan Brisson and Jaroslav Schmela. He gained valuable experience rotating with veterans like Nathan Sese, Anton Brido, and Alex Bergile.

In one particularly memorable moment during his professional debut, he was effective on a penalty kill and, with only 8:17 spent on the ice, managed to capitalize on a breakaway to net his first career goal on his very first shot.

“I truly believe I’m ready,” Noaraba expressed. “Of course, there’s always room for growth, and I’m aware of that. But right now, I’m just really excited to get out there with everyone.”