Source: Arizona Republic

In four seasons of junior hockey, defenseman Brandon Gormley experienced more than what's typical for a teenager chasing an NHL career.

A Memorial Cup championship. A late-season trade. A bronze medal at the World Junior Championships.

"I feel like my game and where I'm at I'm ready to turn pro," the 20-year-old said.

Gormley is pacing the pack at this week's Coyotes prospect development camp, a three-year veteran of the annual orientation in the Valley, but it's his performance in September at main camp that matters. There, Gormley will be battling with a handful of other defensive hopefuls for a spot in the team's top six positions.

Barring a trade or free-agent signing, the Coyotes already have Zbynek Michalek, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Keith Yandle, Derek Morris and Rusty Klesla locked into the pairings.

"I expect (Gormley) to come with a purpose of making our team," coach Dave Tippett said. "He's gone through all the experiences he needs to. He's a proven winner, plays a very intelligent game. I think the maturity and just the physical maturity will help him as he goes along here.

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