New role for Neumann
The Thorold Blackhawks are counting on Trevor Neumann taking a step forward this season.
The 19-year-old Burlington native, who had a respectable rookie season with 13 goals and 27 points, is off to a good start leading the Hawks in scoring with 10 points in their first 12 games.
“He’s a guy we figured this would be a little bit of a breakout year for him,” Thorold head coach Scott Barnes said. “He had opportunities last year. He worked hard over the summer and we thought he would put up some points. We figured he would add some offence to his game.
“I thought he would be a good player and at 19-20 he’s going to be a really good player and he’s well on his way to that.”
Neumann admits the difference between last season and his sophomore campaign is like night and day.
“I’m definitely a lot more comfortable now; I’m blending in well,” he said. “I’m good buddies with everyone. I’ve kind of broken my shell and I love it here. I’ve got the full year under me and I’m more confident out there and having more fun out there.”
Neumann’s totals aren’t staggering but the Hawks are a four-line team who prefer to spread out their offence.
“We don’t have many guys in double digits,” he said. “Everyone is putting up points and we’re a tight-knit group. We work pretty hard together.”
Barnes feels the offence is a work in progress.
“I look at our lineup and some of our most offensive guys might be our younger guys who haven’t figured out the league yet so I think we have four lines that can score as good as the other lines,” he said. “Right now, we have two experienced lines and two less experienced lines.
“Our younger guys are going to get it. I think by the end of the year we’re going to be a deep threat on every line.”
Neumann has been paired most of the season on a line with Dylan Latty with Bailey Stumpo is slated to join the duo this week.
“That’s a spot we haven’t really solidified but Stumpo has had a good last two or three games,” Barnes said. “We’re trying to get four balanced scoring lines and trying to play a more balanced attack.”
Neumann and Latty often get tasked with playing against the top lines of other teams.
“If in doing that, usually if you’re good defensively, you will create offence because the top offensive lines don’t like to play defence,” Barnes said.
Neumann joined the Hawks last season and admitted the jump from midget to junior was an eye-opener.
“From minor hockey up to junior, it’s all speed,” he said. “You have to move the puck quicker, shoot quicker and definitely skate faster.
“You get used to the bigger players our there — I’m a smaller guy — but you learn to deal with it and don’t be too afraid. Once you get the hang of it, you feel comfortable.”
Neumann has graduated high school and recently wrote is SAT test. He hopes to study and play hockey at the NCAA level.
Neumann had a goal Thursday as the Hawks dropped a 5-2 decision at home to the St. Catharines Falcons.
Owen Allen also scored for the Hawks, who dropped to 5-8.
The streaking Falcons have now won eight in a row to improve to 9-3.
Newcomer Christian Girhiny had a goal and assist in his Falcons debut while Jack Venneri, Xavier Drummond and Jaleel Adams also scored.
The Falcons host Welland Friday.
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