While it’s Adams’ first camp with the Islanders, taking the ice with his Providence teammate and Islander prospect, Thomas Machu, has offered a sense of comfort as he gets acclimated.
“Once I knew I was going to camp, [Machu] was the first person I texted,” Adams said. “He’s one of my good friends at Providence, so getting to go through this process with him has been surreal.”
He also shares a unique bond with Hagens. The two grew up playing for the Long Island Royals together, and later at Mount St. Charles Academy, and have built a long-lasting friendship.
“It’s cool to look back and see how far we’ve come,” Hagens said. “We’re best friends off the ice and are together all summer. Whether it’s golfing or just messing around, we’re inseparable.”
Hagens comes from a hockey family, with his younger brother, James, being selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins last year. Michael believes that brotherly competition helped make him the player he is today, as he is ready to make a name for himself on Long Island after recording five assists over 33 games alongside his brother last season at Boston College.
“Ever since we were young, we’ve constantly been pushing each other,” Hagens said. “It’s been impactful to grow up with him and have the chance to play together at different levels. This week, I want to show Islander fans who I am and just try to get better each day.”