While several returning players have made a strong impression at this year’s Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp, the spotlight also shines on two fresh faces, Alexander Weiermair and Mateo Nobert.
The Knights made a strategic move in the 2025 NHL Draft, trading up to select defenseman Mateo Nobert with the 85th overall pick, and also added forward Alexander Weiermair at 186th overall.
“It’s actually a funny story,” Weiermair said. “I was walking my dog outside, and I wasn’t even watching. My dad came running out screaming, so a lot of excitement. So happy to be here.”
Our prospects had a jam-packed week in Vegas for 2025 Development Camp presented by Martin-Harris Construction 🏒
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 3, 2025
VGK Prospect Alex Weiermair documents it all in his Development Camp blog! 👇https://t.co/S9o5uNxnt4
Weiermair wasn’t the only one with a funny draft story either—Nobert had one of his own.
“We were at home watching TV, and there was an ad that went on. Before that, it was Pittsburgh who had the 85th pick,” Nobert explained. “Then I wait a bit, and I hear screaming from the other room. I got drafted, so I was like, ‘Oh, is it really Pittsburgh?’ and then they started screaming ‘Vegas.’ I was just jumping for joy.”
Our prospects and members of the VGK business staff are spending the morning at @CathCharitiesNV serving food to those in need in our community! 😀 #VegasBorn | @VGKFoundationpic.twitter.com/pYNXUFtN7J
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 2, 2025
Weiermair reflected on his journey from competing in both the NCAA and CHL to earning a spot at Development Camp, describing the transition as a key step in his growth as a player.
“I think on the ice it’s definitely the pace,” Weiermair said. “It’s really fast, even though it’s the middle of the summer where everyone’s going full tilt, so it’s awesome to see. Then off the ice, doing the right things away from the rink. Being a professional, taking care of your body in the right way.”
As for Nobert, he talked about what his takeaways were from the camp as a whole.
“I think I needed to retain most of the information I got from the presentations and the meetings,” Nobert said. “Whether it’s nutrition, in gym, on ice, stuff like that, I think it’ll help with just becoming even more of a pro every day. So I think those meetings really helped me, and I think I’m gonna remember this week for my whole life.”
These two certainly are talented on the ice, but it’s clear that their off-ice personality shines and connects with the culture the organization strives to uphold every day.