Who Is This Kid? Ozzy Who?

[Ozzy Batty 293]

Ozzy Batty, a name that more and more people are starting to recognize. The 6'2" 205 pound Center joined the VHL as a relatively unknown. He joined the Mississauga Hounds as a waiver free agent and has slowly been moving up the leader boards as the VHLM season progresses.

 

Ozzy was asked what he thought of his success and replied with clipped words, "What is our record again?" It was obvious that he knew the team's record, 4-10-1 and technically in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference due to them having a better goal difference. Ozzy however refused to answer any questions concerning his personal success on the ice and pointed to the team patch on his shirt. 

 

So what is Ozzy doing that is starting to catch the attention of the reporters back home in England? The VHLM has played 15 games so far and as was stated earlier the team doesnt have a good record, but that hasnt stopped Ozzy from creeping up the leader boards. 

 

Thru these 15 games Ozzy is currently:

• Points: 4th, with 26
• Goals: 6th, with 10
• Assists: 5th, with 16
• Shots: 8th, with 92
• Hits Taken: 4th, with 62
• Power Play Goals: 5th, with 3

 

That last one is a little concerning because of the beating the body can take. Hopefully Ozzy can bulk up his frame to help absorb that punishment.

 

Ozzy has refused to discuss his success but his coaches are quick to comment on the work ethic of the youngster. When asked to name his strengths, they quickly reply that he is a student of the game and pushes himself to improve; that he is more concerned about the success of the team over any personal accolades; and how he is the ultimate teammate and is there for his teammates. 

 

The obvious question has to be then, what are his weaknesses. Once again, the coaches respond quickly and in unison that he has high standards of himself and wont accept when he doesnt achieve what he feels that he should; he doesnt know how to disconnect from the game; his nature can come across as dismissive or even arrogant and that can give others the wrong idea about him. They followed that up by saying once people talk to Ozzy they realize it is just because he is so intense and focused, but not in a bad way.

 

Ozzy's uncle, Otis, was called to see if he could answer some questions and he deflected all but one. Since Ozzy was signed as a waiver selection he will be entering the rookie draft at the end of the season. Otis was asked if anyone had talked to him or Ozzy about the draft. He smiled and said, not yet, but the season is still young, so just because he has been having a good start to the season, it doesnt mean he will have a good end.

 

But no matter what, it is apparent that Otis is enjoying the success of Ozzy and the constant reminder is there of just what might have been for him....but now...it is Ozzy's time.

 

Word Count: 519

[Greg_Di 1,024]

Review:

 

Now I know who this Ozzy guy is! Great article, enjoyed reading it. Was well paced and gives notable information about who your player is, where he is playing and his current stats as compared to others in the VHLM. I don't follow the VHLM that closely so its great to read about up and comming players. Will be keeping an eye out for Ozzy this season and will see you at the S95 draft! Can't find any fault or improvements in this article. Keep up the great work. 10/10!