Monahan staying positive through busy month

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. A highly regarded prospect, Monahan has offered to maintain a monthly blog for NHL.com that will chronicle his season leading up to the 2013 NHL Draft.

Hello everyone. The month of November was a pretty busy one for our team. It was a little bit of a change for us, as we normally play all weekend games. However, we had a lot of games during the week this month. During that time we had a tough stretch which included a seven-game losing streak. Of course, it's no fun losing, but as a leader on this team I have to stay positive and lead by example. We got a win Nov. 20 which ended the losing streak.

The only downside now is not being able to help my teammates keep their winning ways going. I was suspended for 10 games on Nov. 23 for a check to the head during a game Nov. 18. It was an unfortunate incident for me, the player from the Plymouth Whalers I hit and my team. However, I accept my punishment and will learn from it, and do my best to help the team while I'm out in any way I can.

The good part is I'll return in time to compete for a spot at the World Junior Championship. Earlier in the month I was lucky to take part in the Subway Super Series against the Russians in Guelph. It was an incredible experience playing with such talented and top players from the league. It was also a great experience to share with my teammates, Cody Ceci and Tyler Graovac, who were there with me. Myself and Graovac actually connected for a goal on the penalty kill, which was pretty special for us. Unfortunately we did not end up getting the result we wanted, but it was another great learning experience for myself and made the rivalry against Russia that much stronger.

Coming to the near end of the month we had our first road trip in a long time, with games in Oshawa, Guelph, and Belleville. We left Friday to begin our trip. When we got to Oshawa, we settled into our hotel for a pregame nap. My roommate on the road is Ryan Van Stralen. We get along well, although we do disagree on some TV shows sometimes.

I think the road trips are great for team bonding and I enjoy them a lot. After the three games on the road we came home with no points but competed hard and did well under the circumstances. It was a tough trip for us.

Back in Ottawa now where we have to get back to work and have a great week of practices as we head on another road trip this coming weekend to Plymouth, Saginaw, and Windsor. The boys are ready for it and looking forward to get back in the win column.

Follow Sean Monahan on Twitter: @Monahan20