Syosset Native Works Out With Islanders

You could say Ben Rosen is growing accustomed to change. After cycling through three programs in the United States Hockey League and a stellar season with the South Shore Kings of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, he landed a spot with NCAA powerhouse Boston University in 2009.

The Syosset native - who had 52 points in 45 games as a defenseman with the Kings - enjoyed a rather quiet freshman season, appearing in nine games.

Before his sophomore campaign, the Terriers' glut of defensemen forced Rosen, 22, to reconsider his position on the team. A move to center resulted in a significant increase in ice time, as Rosen appeared in 31 games last season, notching two goals and an assist and 22 penalty minutes.

"That was my first time ever playing forward," said the Boston University junior. "I’m just trying to work off of that and be as confident as I can and play as hard as I can next year."

Rosen's play was good enough to draw the attention of Garth Snow and the Islanders, and he earned an invite to the 2011 prospect camp held this week. He is one of seven native Long Islanders attending the camp, which brings together a number of the organization's recent draft selections and young players.

"I think it’s great," Islanders head coach Jack Capuano said of having local players at camp. "I think I mentioned earlier, it’s a tribute to the parents who dedicate themselves, going to the rink very early in the morning, taking these kids to practice, to their youth hockey coaches, to their high school coaches."

"You grow up coming to games here, watching these guys," said Rosen of his favorite team growing up. "I know some guys here and being able to play with them and against them, it’s a great honor."

This is Rosen's third prospect camp since he was NHL Draft-eligible in 2007. He was also invited to the Islanders camp last season as well as the Rangers camp in 2007.

"I’m definitely an older guy now, I feel like I’ve gotten bigger, faster and stronger," Rosen said. "Weighing myself against the competition, I feel a lot better than I did when I was 18 at the Rangers’ camp or even last year at this camp. I feel a lot more confident out here."

The prospects, who have been skating as two separate units throughout the week, took part in a scrimmage last Saturday night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Blue and White Scrimmage and Skills Competition was open to fans, and tickets were just $10 and benefitted the Islanders Children's Foundation.

Team White ended up defeating Team Blue, 6-5.

"For the kids that are here, obviously it’s a thrill to come to the Coliseum and play with our guys," Capuano said.