Hard work pays off for Lynds
Easton Lynds isn’t one to take shortcuts on the ice.
The 16-year-old forward for the Southern Tier Admirals has a relentless work ethic, but that wasn’t always the case. Lynds was a sniper during his younger years of minor hockey and only recently rounded out his game.
“Growing up, I was always the skill guy, always put a bunch of pucks in the net,” the Denis Morris student said. “Honestly, my love was reborn when Rosie (Kevin Rosebrugh) started coaching. It bumped my work ethic up. The way he coaches, I admire. If you play good, you get the ice you deserve. He holds people responsible. Growing up I had coaches who were parents which kind of held you back.
“Once I got a fair coach who had good coaching methods, it replenished my love for the game. I knew if I put in the effort, I can get it.”
Rosebrugh has seen Lynds blossom this season.
“He is one of the hardest working players out there,” Rosebrugh said. “His game has really developed nicely over the last year.”
Lynds placed fourth in team scoring for the U16 AAA Admirals with 16 goals and 33 points in 37 games and also added six goals and 10 points in eight playoff contests while playing all three forward positions.
“I feel I played every role,” Lynds said. “At times I was the goal scorer, I went on point streaks, or I could be the guy in the corner winning battles for the team or throwing big hits. I was very versatile this year.”
Rosebrugh appreciates Lynds’ adaptability.
“He has really good hockey IQ which led to his terrific penalty killing abilities,” Rosebrugh said. “He played in every key situation for us last year and was a pleasure to coach.”
Lynds has been in contact with a handful of OHL teams in preparation for the 2023 Ontario Priority Selection which begins Friday, April 21 with rounds 1-3 starting at 7 p.m. and continuing Saturday, April 22 beginning at 9 a.m. with rounds 4-15.
“Honestly, it’s very nerve wracking thing because it’s a pretty big decider,” Lynds said. “It’s a pretty well known thing for every little kid’s dream.”
Still, he is trying to take it all in stride.
“For me, I’ve kind of been letting whatever happens, happen. You don’t have much say in what happens so no point in worrying about it,”Lynds said. “If I get drafted, I get drafted. If not, there are plenty of other routes. I’m not too worried about it. I’ve tried not to focus too much on it throughout the season. I just wanted to play the game I love.”
Lynds plans to follow the draft on line with his family.
“My family is almost as invested in it as I am. Crazy hockey family,” he said
Lynds, who has been playing AAA since novice, is realistic regarding his development next season.
“I went out and watched a few (junior) games and I feel my talent and my effort and my skill could transfer to the next levels,” he said. “My preference would be to have a year to develop and work on all those skills to excel right out of the gate going into the higher levels. Get the ice time I need and work on everything.”
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