Monahan continues to lead by example in Ottawa

Sean Monahan is a center for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-foot-2, 186-pound forward was a second-team OHL all-star last season after scoring 33 goals in 62 games, and he added 15 points in 18 playoff games. In 50 games this season, Monahan leads his team in goals (26), assists (43), points (69) and power-play goals (12). Ranked No. 4 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm report, Monahan has offered to maintain a monthly blog for NHL.com that will chronicle his season leading up to the 2013 NHL Draft.

Hi, everyone!

It's obviously been a different kind of year for the team this season. The fact we're not winning [Ottawa is 15-41-4] is no fun at all, but I believe we have a strong leadership group which keeps a positive environment. I think I'm having the season I wanted to have with a few bumps in the road, but I just want to continue to be the best example I can be for my teammates the remainder of the season.

It's frustrating not to win and I sometimes lose sleep over games, but at the end of the day, you have to look past that and be excited that you're still playing the game. Come game time, there are no excuses. It's anyone's game any night, so there is always something to compete for.

My current linemates are Joseph Blandisi and Ryan Van Stralen. We have been working well as a group and I'm lucky to play with them both. When opposing teams decide to guard me closely, that just makes me want to be better than who I'm playing against … I want to outwork them.

As the draft is getting closer, for sure I'm getting more excited. But my main focus is to be the best leader I can be in Ottawa and finish my season off on a good note. I plan on competing until the last game of the season in order to leave a strong impression on the player I am.

Thanks for reading!

Follow Sean Monahan on Twitter at: @Monahan20