What A Start To the Off-Season!

[Ozzy Batty 293]

What an off-season it has been! It feels just like the regular season at this point. I had expected to spend a quiet few weeks at home, that is until I got the call that I had been selected to represent Team Steel in the Junior Showcase Tournament. So once again I packed my bags and jumped on a plane to head off to our training facilities. 

I called Mom and Dad once I got there to tell them I was at the team complex and let them know that I didn’t know where we would be playing the games at. But I would call and let them know how we were doing as the tournament progressed.

I figured that I would be spending my time practicing and playing the tournament games. And yes, the practices were definitely intense! Hopefully we can translate that success from the practice arena to the tournament games.

The thing that I didn’t expect…well…I had hoped would happen…is to hear from the scouts for the VHLM teams. Since I was a waiver signing for Mississauga I will be entering this season’s draft. It is odd to be considered a new draftee after playing a season in the league, but that is the way things are done. I actually had played the whole season with the Hounds and actually would love to go back there, but we never know how the draft will play out do we?

While I was expecting the calls from the VHLM scouts and general managers, I dint expect to hear from VHLE staff, let alone VHL scouts! But I have gotten calls from scouts and other staff from those 2 leagues as well. I guess since I can be drafted by teams in those leagues even though I will not be playing in those leagues next season makes sense. That way they own the rights to me once I am ready to move up.
One of the questions I invariably get asked is how quickly do I want to get to the VHL. My answer is always the same…when I am ready to contribute and wont be a liability on the ice. I completely understand that team needs will dictate all of this. But, all things being equal, I want to stay at each level as long as I can to be able to know that I wont hurt any team that I am playing for. 
What does all of that actually look like? I have no idea, but I 100% trust those who are in the front offices of the various teams to know when is the best time for me to make any changes in what level I am playing at. 

Speaking of which, is it acceptable for me to say that I am nervous about this tournament and next season? I had a great season for my rookie season. I think I ended up 4th in total points and was amongst some league top-rated players in being there. Will I be able to replicate that success next season? Will I be able to contribute to my team’s success in the WJC tournament? If I don’t have that level of success but we are more successful on the ice, then I am fine with that. I want to improve my team’s play and want to see us succeed. But will the front office, will the fans, be okay with me not putting up the numbers I did last season? I hope so because I think it will be a challenge for me to put up those numbers again. I hope I can, especially if they translate into more victories. Everyone knows you cant win if you don’t score, so that is what it is all based on.

I don’t want anyone to think that I doubt myself, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself because that can be a problem within itself…

 The off-season is ongoing and the fun…and work..never stops! Time to enjoy the ride!!