Michael Hutchinson

Wilmington, MA -- If there is one young Bruin at camp who is completely, and clearly, enjoying every moment, it is Bruins 2008 3rd round draft pick, Michael Hutchinson.

The 18-year-old goaltender from Barrie, Ontario will never be found without a smile on his face, unless, of course, someone scores on him.

But if that someone happens to be B’s veteran Patrice Bergeron, there is a chance there might still be a smirk lurking behind his cage.

“I am just absolutely thrilled to be here,” Hutchinson said. “To get drafted into the NHL is just a dream come true.

“This is the first step, right here, towards trying to make an NHL career.”

Hutchinson’s first few days in the Bruins fold have definitely lived up to his fantasies.

“It was good,” he said of the first day of camp. “All the guys here are really welcoming and make you feel right at home.

“The fitness test was really tough, especially the run,” he said with a chuckle, “but it was nice to get that out of the way on the first day and now settle down and get out on the ice.”

Some of the fist day was spent out on the grass working on team building.

“The (activities) were great,” he said. “I got to bond with all the guys here, which is awesome because they are possible future teammates. So it is nice to get to know them now and have a few familiar faces at the main camp.”

But recognizing one particular face at camp is particularly exciting to Hutchinson.

“It is great just watching Manny (Fernandez) and everything he does,” he said. “He is on the ice and he is working so hard.

“He makes everything look so easy out there so it is just nice to have a professional goalie out on the ice with you so you can pick up on things.”

However, a formidable face to have skating at him is Patrice Bergeron. But to nobody’s surprise, when asked how he felt to have the veteran shooting on him, Hutchinson answered, “It is unbelievable! It is good to see someone with a shot like that so you know what you have to aim for in the future.”

Michael admitted that the first few minutes on the ice were really nerve-wracking, but to those watching, he seemed really calm. He fit right in to the goalie corps and made some strong saves on some hard shots.

After Wednesday’s practices, Hutch couldn’t wait for the campers’ trip to Fenway Park that afternoon.

“Growing up, my Little League team was called the Red Sox, so I have always been a Red Sox fan, and I am really excited to see the game,” he said.

Well, from the Red Sox to the Bruins, it looks like Boston has been Hutchinson’s destiny from a very young age.