With training camp underway in preparation for the 2025-26 American Hockey League season, second-year Wolves coach Cam Abbott talks lessons learned, the roster, expectations moving forward and more.
What’s your excitement level with training camp underway?
“I’m excited to get back to work with the staff. We’ve done a lot of preparation through the summertime. This is a great opportunity to learn, especially after last season and share the openness for feedback. Just like the players, we’re trying to get better as a staff so I’ve been really pleased with that process. I’m excited, there is great energy to have the guys roll back in here.
I’m super excited to get to work with this group of guys and not overlooking the opportunities they have.
What lessons were learned as a team last season?
“It’s important to reflect on all the great things that we were able to establish and accomplish last season. Not just in making the playoffs but a number of young players taking significant steps in their careers and helping the (Carolina) Hurricanes through the end of last season and setting themselves up for this coming season.
“I also thought we had a really strong process of feedback from the players and leadership group as to how we can do our work to a higher level for them and this organization.
“We’ve taken a certain amount of clarity with our messaging this summer. We’re trying to simplify things because over the years of coaching now for me there was a tendency to try and do more and in the end it makes it a little more complicated and we have to get away from that. It has to be a simple message and it has to be very clear as to what the results and expectations are within the group.”
What are those expectations?
“I’ll tell you right now the expectations are even higher than they were at this time last year. The best part is we have a massive group of returning guys and everybody that will eventually be on the roster I believe are great upgrades to a lot of positions as well. It’s a new journey together and a new opportunity to do something special.”
How important was it for the group to reach the playoffs last season?
“Even in making the playoffs there was a lot of disappointment in exiting in that first round (against Rockford). We somewhat stumbled at the end and we should have put ourselves in a full playoff series so it leaves you really hungry. There are a number of new coaching staffs in this division and teams have a different look as well with a lot of turnover on rosters. It’s a fresh start for a lot of teams, including us. We’re ready to establish the standards we need to practice and play with.”
What did you personally learn from your first season coaching in the AHL?
“It’s a development league so you have to have the long-term vision to make sure to continue as a staff and as a coach to control what you can control and understand you can’t control some things and there has to be balance and understanding in that.
“It’s a long 72-game season and there were a lot of guys who came into this group who hadn’t played in those types of longer seasons, coming from Europe or college. So, there are different challenges with that in learning how to manage the energy level of guys.
“At the same time, it’s making sure that resetting for this season we know as a staff how we need this team to play. It’s putting the demand on a higher level for what that Carolina Hurricanes-inspired type of hockey and Chicago Wolves hockey is going to look like this year and making sure we’re staying true to that and making sure we find that identity.”
How gratifying is it to see young players take steps in their development?
“That’s a big part of our workload interest in helping all of our players, older as well, but particularly these young guys who need to continue to get opportunities and to grow and part of that is to help the team do what it takes to win hockey games. It’s making sure we as a staff create an environment where they can continuously improve and make mistakes and feel comfortable learning from them and getting better and making sure they’re on the ice to not make the same one next time.
“They’re the ones doing the work, right? We need to set the environment and make sure that we stay helpful in setting those standards and those habits for them.
“There’s nothing more special in our roles than seeing players play in their first NHL games or have a tremendous training camp. Seeing that growth is something I would hope every American Hockey League coach takes pride in.
“We’re looking to help these guys and in turn help the Canes and at the same time winning is also developing. It’s doesn’t have to be exclusive to each other.”
For the full training camp roster, go here.
Tickets for the 2025-26 Wolves season are now on sale. Call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.
