Hawks rearguard settles in
Austin Jensen has found his niche on the blueline with the Thorold Blackhawks.
The 19-year-old rearguard has morphed into a solid, rugged, stay-at-home defenceman in his third season with the team.
“He’s got some toughness to his game — he plays a physical game — an element that we appreciate,” Hawks coach Scott Barnes said. “He’s also added an element of strong defensive play this year.
“It’s been three years of figuring out the league and trying to see what works for him and what doesn’t, and this year he’s had a really strong start and has become a really valuable part of our D corps.”
Jensen, who grew up in Mount Hope, switched from centre to defence while in his minor peewee AAA season in Niagara Falls.
“I started off as a really offensive defenceman and then they had me play more defensive,” Jensen said. “Now that I have more confidence I can do some of the things I could do before.”
Jensen still has the ability to rush the puck and has to be reminded from time to time to take care of his own end first.
“Austin is a pretty good skater,” Barnes said. “He likes to go and we had to reign him in a little bit for the first couple of years. He still likes to go every once in a while and jump up.”
Barnes likes for his defencemen to move the puck as quickly as possible.
“I think he’s realized when to take his chances and when to go. The quicker we move it the better we are. That’s what we’re trying to get through to our whole D. Let’s go north and get it in the other end as soon as possible.”
Barnes said Jensen’s experience plays a key role in the room.
“It’s been a nice development this year seeing him step up. He’s a great character and great in the room. The boys love him and he’s a leader in there.”
Jensen played his major midget AAA season with the Niagara North Stars before hooking up with the Blackhawks after skating with Barnes during the summer.
Jensen said a couple of seasons of junior have made a huge difference in his game.
“(I feel) a lot more comfortable,” he said. “Just on the ice I feel like I understand more and the way the league is. Moving from AAA to junior B is a huge jump. The playing style is totally different and now I’m confident in what works and what doesn’t work which also helps me when I can rush the puck and went I can’t.”
Barnes feels Jensen’s physical play has given the Blackhawks’ defence some diversity.
“You need that mix. You can’t have a bunch of small, skilled players back there. You need some size and some grit and someone to make the front of the net not a nice place to live. Those are the things he’s added to our team.”
Jensen plans to play hockey as long as he can and then go to school for pipeline welding.
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