Lots of people go to Florida in the twilight of their life. Former Swift Current Broncos sniper Graham Black is hoping for him it's a new beginning.

The New Jersey Devils traded Black's rights to Florida after he spent two seasons with the Devils' AHL affiliate in Albany.

Last season in particular was challenging from the beginning.

"It was a tough start to the year I had two major surgeries in the middle of summer that sent me back months on my training," Black said. "I wasn't able to go to camp prepared and I'm looking forward to coming to camp this year in the best shape possible."

The speedster put up 23 points in 98 AHL games for New Jersey before the deal to Florida. He's fired up for the new opportunity.

"The fact that they traded for me and saw something me is really motivating me right now," Black said. "I'm really interested and excited to go to Florida and start playing."

"This year I'm going to focus on taking care of myself better off the ice. Whether it's nutrition or keeping myself in shape when I have time to do maintenance on my body. I'm planning on taking care of myself better so I can be at my best whenever I touch the ice."

The Regina product was a big time point producer at the WHL level scoring 197 points over 208 games. In some ways he wants to return to that kind of form as he gets started with Florida.

"I need to get back to playing my type of hockey," Black noted. "It's easy to get put in a role in pro hockey where you want to do whatever it takes to help the team win and obviously you will, but sometimes you need to take over the game yourself and have the confidence to play the way you played and what got you there before."

Swift Current had to work hard recruiting Black to get him to join them at 18 rather than head to the NCAA. He doesn't regret his choice at all.

"My time with the Broncos was unforgettable and maybe the best time in my life," Black said. "It's been such a big part of my life that you really miss it."

Players hoping to follow in Graham's footsteps will hit the ice this week when Broncos training camp starts with prospect orientation tonight and main camp starts Wednesday.