McBride trades saves for serves
Dalton McBride took a break Thursday from dodging pucks to concentrate on serves and volleys.
The 16-year-old Grimsby native spends most of his time as a goaltender for the Dunnville Mudcats of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, but also finds time to suit up for the Grimsby Eagles volleyball team.
“It’s nice to get away (from hockey),” McBride said, after the Eagles dropped a 10-25, 13-25, 13-25 decision to the Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs in Niagara Regional High School Athletic Association senior boys action. “I’ve played all through high school and the school needed some players. We don’t have a lot of volleyball players at the school so I decided to try it.”
McBride enjoys being on the court.
“It’s kind of reactionary when guys are spiking at you so it’s kind of cool,” he smiled.
McBride was a fifth-round selection of the Kitchener Rangers in the 2018 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. He went to camp with the Rangers, who liked what they saw, but suggested McBride get more seasoning at the junior level.
“They told me to find a junior team and develop as much as I can,” McBride said. “I’ve talked to their player development guy every week.”
McBride said he almost signed on with his hometown Grimsby Peach Kings, but chose Dunnville where he was likely to see more action. The Mudcats are winless in nine games so far.
“It’s helping me (develop) tons,” he said. “Grimsby gives up like 20 shots a game, but in Dunnville I’m getting so much more development.”
McBride spent his minor midget season with the Niagara North Stars where he complied a 1.72 goals-against average in 17 games.
“It’s been a big change. In minor midget, I saw a maximum of 30 shots and now I’m getting upwards of 60 a game,” he said.
The Bulldogs took care of business on the court in quick fashion, sweeping the set in less than an hour.
The Bulldogs feature a much different roster this season after bringing home a silver medal at the OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) AAA championships last year.
“The more touches they get, it’s just more experience,” Sir Winston coach Brent Mergl said. “Even though all the Grade 10s were along for the ride (last year) and got a few touches here and there, it’s a whole different game when you’re relied upon for the big point.”
Mergl said the Bulldogs are ongoing some serious on-the-job training.
“It’s a big learning curve,” he said.
The Bulldogs, who are 3-0 so far in league play, still have high aspirations this season.
“These guys are set on winning SOSSA and going back go to OFSAA and repeating what the team did last year,” he said. “Part of the motivation was that last year it just wasn’t one kid running the whole show. It was a whole team and we want to prove we can win as a team.”
Members of the Bulldogs are: Yazeed Alzughaibi, Nathan Butler, Noah Garnace, Spencer Gregson, Patrick Hassan, Mathew Jeffrey, Hawkin Paleczny, Nolan Phelan, Andrew Song, Dylan Vanleeuwen and Griffin Whitehorne.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
