For many, summer means camping. The stars of the USHL are no different -- except that their campfire is a skate sharpener and the s'mores are actually bananas and Powerade. Several of the USHL brightest stars are currently participating in NHL Prospect Camps, an opportunity that gives each a taste of life atop hockey's pinnacle.

The Minnesota Wild opened its camp on Thursday with 4-on-4 scrimmages that included a pair of former USHL standouts, Mike Erickson (Des Moines) and Danny Irmen (Lincoln). Erickson's squad fared best, winning each of the day's contests. Skating regularly with American-born prospect Patrick O'Sullivan, Erickson recorded a goal and two assists. In Chicago, the Blackhawk’s recently concluded a prospect camp that was dominated by 2004 USHL Rookie of the Year Matt Ford (Sioux Falls). The freshman-to-be at the University of Wisconsin led the event in goals and drew praise from Chicago assistant coach Denis Savard. "Ford had a great day Saturday," Savard told Chicagoblackhawks.com. "He won the shootout. He's got great hands, a lot of poise around the net. He's played really well and is going to be a great college player for sure." Ottawa Senators camp, which also opened this week, had a decidedly USHL flavor as well with Grant Potulny (Lincoln), Tim Cook (River City), Matt McIlvane (Chicago) and Jim McKenzie (Sioux Falls) in attendance. "Getting on the ice with the NHL sweater on is always a great thrill," said Irmen, following the first day of Wild Camp. "You just hope that one day you get to do it for real."