"For me personally, it was about building off the year before," Gettinger added. "I was happy with the year before, and going into this year with more confidence really helped me throughout the season."
Gettinger posted career-highs with 33 goals - up from 31 a year ago - and increased his assist total by 13 with 36 helpers to finish with 69 points in 66 contests with the Greyhounds.
Sault Ste. Marie followed the lead of its captain, finishing atop the OHL standings with 116 points, 23-points ahead of second-place Hamilton. The successful regular season campaign led to the Greyhounds reaching the OHL final for the first time in 25 years, though they were defeated by Hamilton in six games.
"Going into the season, we knew we were going to have a good team," Gettinger said. "[The loss in the OHL Final] was upsetting but I couldn't be more proud of the group of guys we had and what we accomplished all year."
Aside from upping his offensive production, Gettinger went into the season with areas of his game to improve on following his assignment back to the SOO after Rangers' training camp in September, namely better utilizing his big 6-foot-6, 218-pound frame. Gettinger said he felt he improved defensively with his long reach, and offensively by producing in front of the net on screens.
Rangers Assistant General Manager Chris Drury said the results from Gettinger's season were what he and the staff were hoping to see from another year of junior hockey.
"I think whenever you draft and sign a kid like we did with Tim and he does go back to junior, you want to see strides," Drury said. "I think the way he progressed in the SOO and having a big role on a good team, was what we were hoping to see."
Drury and General Manager Jeff Gorton have stressed the importance of high-character players in the organization. Gettinger certainly feels he checks that box off as a leader throughout his time with the Greyhounds.
"This past year being able to be named captain was an honor," he said. "The two years before, I wore an A and that was an honor as well. I lead by my play. I'm vocal also, but I lead by my play. I do what the team needs. I feel I took a big step in that area this season."
With the possible conclusion to his junior career, Gettinger now has his sights set on a big summer of training and a strong training camp in September as he hopes to make the jump to professional hockey.
He's kept his eye on what's been going on in New York as the franchise is underway in its rebuild. Like many fellow prospects, Gettinger is excited by the direction the Rangers are headed in.
"It's definitely exciting," he said. "To see everything going on in New York, it's an exciting time for someone like me. It opens up the door for some opportunities. I have to work hard to get an opportunity to reach that goal."
