ST. PAUL, Minn. — There was a drill during Friday’s prospect camp practice in which Charlie Stramel was going head-to-head against a good buddy, his former University of Wisconsin roommate Ben Dexheimer.The goal was simple: Use an explosive first few steps, win a board battle, come in and score. Stramel and Dexheimer lined up around the high slot, and AHL Iowa coach Stu Bickel flicked the puck against the wall. Stramel raced and got to the puck first, used his 6-foot-3 frame to get position and knocked the 5-10 defenseman to the ice. Stramel then darted in and scored, drawing stick taps from other prospects.The size difference between Stramel and Dexheimer was clear. But during the 90-minute workout, Stramel showed examples of what the Wild are looking for if he’s going to crack the NHL roster. He played fast. He played physical — and with an edge.“He’s right there,” said Brad Bombardir, the Wild director of player development. “We’ve always told our guys, if you want to come in and make an impression and try to make an impact early, it’s up to you. We’ll do everything we possibly can to give you that opportunity. But once you get on the ice with those NHL guys it’s up to you.“Because the National Hockey League is a monster, right?”
What will it take for Wild top prospect Charlie Stramel to crack roster?
During a prospect-camp workout, Charlie Stramel showed examples of what the Wild are looking for if he’s going to make the NHL team.






