Fitzgerald to Suit Up for Bruins This Week

Ryan Fitzgerald won't be eligible to become an official member of the Boston Bruins organization until after his career is completed at Boston College. But this week, he'll have his first chance to skate with the black and gold.

The North Reading resident, who was recently drafted by the Bruins in the fourth round of the National Hockey League draft, was officially added to the roster for this week's Bruins development camp that starts on Wednesday in Wilmington.

Fitzgerald is one of 12 forwards and 24 total players who will hit the ice at Ristuccia Arena. Fans regularly pack the arena to watch the up and coming players who hope to someday be at the center of the Bruins' attack.

The full development camp schedule is as follow:

• Wednesday, July 10, on-ice practice begins at 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, July 11, on-ice practice begins at 11 a.m. and on-ice practice No. 2 begins at 12:45 p.m.
• Friday, July 12, on-ice practice begins at 10:30 a.m. and on-ice practice No. 2 begins at 11:45 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13, on-ice practice begins at 11 a.m.
• Sunday, July 14, on-ice practice begins at 10 a.m. and on-ice practice No. 2 begins at 10:45 a.m.
• Monday, July 15, team building exercises are closed to the public.

Fans are encouraged to attend all practices at Ristuccia Arena, and practices are free of charge.

In addition, Fitzgerald and other players taking part in the development camp will participate in charity work on Friday.

From 3:30-5:30 p.m. players will lead an on-ice clinic at the Burlington Ice Palace, will visit Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen to kick off the Boston Bruins Summer Reading Program, and will spend the afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica's field day.

“When I put the jersey on and hit the ice, it’ll really hit home,” Fitzgerald told North Reading Patch earlier this month after he was drafted. “I’ve always watched the Bruins play. They’re hard to play against. I have a little fire in my game and I think that’s something the Bruins like. I think I fit their style well.”