I learned that I was named to Team OHL for the Canada Russia series on Twitter. It wasn't really something I was expecting, but it was a goal of mine at the start of the season. I try not to get my hopes up for stuff like this because it really could go either way. But it's definitely a huge honor and I'm excited to be representing the OHL and playing with my other teammate (Michael McLeod).
The Canada Russia series was a tournament I watched and enjoyed as a kid growing up in Kitchener. I always watched these tournaments because I was a big fan of Rangers. I remember when Nathan Bastian and Mike McLeod made Team OHL last year, me and my other teammates got together at one house and we rooted for them watching the game on television. It's cool being able to know guys who played on those teams, and now I can be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to playing.
As far as our team in Mississauga this season, though it has been hard and at times frustrating for the guys, our attitude has been great. The expectations coming into the season were pretty high so when we're struggling a little like we are right now, it's a little frustrating. Beyond our first two lines we have six or seven rookies still trying to find their spot and their role with the team. I went through it last year as a rookie and I certainly wasn't up to my best hockey 13 games into the season, so I know it'll come. I feel when we get around to playing each team in the league at least once, we all will feel a bit more comfortable the second time around.
At the end of the day we're all supposed to be here, playing a part for this team, so it's just a matter of helping each other and helping the young guys get their foot in the door. We're moving in the right direction, maybe not as quickly as we'd like to, but we're definitely making strides.
Personally, I think I've had a good start to the year. At the beginning of the season I wanted to make sure I was contributing every night and trying to help my team win. If I can do that and kind of put my best foot forward every night, that's really all I can control. I'd trade six goals for six more wins, because I know if we can go further as a team that'll mean more success for all of us at the end of the year. It's nice to be at the top of the league scoring list for defensemen, but that's not something I try and pay a lot of attention to because that can turn around pretty quickly.
Thanks for reading everyone. Check back next month.
