Lynds happy to be a Pete
Easton Lynds is ready to get to work.
The 16-year-old Thorold native was selected in the ninth round (173rd overall) of the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Saturday by the Peterborough Petes and is ready to take his training up a notch in a bid to crack the lineup.
“Now’s the time to amp up,” Lynds said. “It’s just another sign to work harder. I especially need to amp up for the (rookie) camp in May and make sure I’m at the top peak and then train all summer.”
Lynds, who placed fourth in team scoring for the U16 AAA Southern Tier Admirals with 16 goals and 33 points in 37 games while playing all three forward positions, has set the bar high for next season.
“I for sure have that mindset (making the team) going into camp and I need to carry that into camp,” he said. “I feel I am big enough and physical enough I can hold my ground physically. I feel like the speed I have also could contribute to (getting me to) the next level.
“I feel I could crack the roster and be a crucial part of their team. I know it’s hard but it’s a perfect circumstance because they’re losing a bunch of guys because they’re a team going for it. It’s a perfect opportunity.”
Lynds watched the draft on line with his family.
“It was an absolute rush,” he said. “It was crazy. It’s an indescribable feeling, to be honest. I had family watch it with me and a few aunts and uncles drop by who were involved in the hockey world with me.”
One of those relatives in attendance was uncle Randy Gazzola, a former Thorold Blackhawk who also has extensive pro experience.
“He’s been by my side the last couple of years training with me and shooting pucks and helping me out with what I should be doing with everything,” Lynds said. “He’s been a great help.”
Lynds also enjoyed seeing some of his teammates on the Admirals get chosen, particularly Carter Timmins, who was taken in the 10th round by Sarnia.
“It was awesome,” Lynds said. “It was almost as exciting to see some of my buddies go in the draft just as much as me. Carter Timmins is one of my closest buddies on the team. It was exciting because we do everything together, train and shoot pucks and push each other to be better so to see us both go was really, really neat.”
Lynds has been in contact with the Petes who recently eliminated the Ottawa 67’s and has been invited to attend a game in the Eastern Conference finals.
“I’ve played there multiple times. We always went in the Peterborough AAA tournament and I played there six or seven times. I’m very familiar with the arena.”
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,000 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
