Rookie holding his own
It has been a season of adjustment for Owen Holmes.
The 16-year-old St. Davids resident has been subjected to the normal growing pains and ups and downs of a rookie at the junior B level with the Niagara Falls Canucks.
“Right at the beginning, I remember it was a lot different but I’m used to it now,” Holmes said of the move from midget to junior. “I can keep up with the speed. A lot of them are smart but I can keep up, especially with the guys on the team giving me a lot of help.
“Frank (coach Pietrangelo) made it really clear to me it was going to be a big transition but we have a group of good guys and they treat me with respect so it’s been awesome.”
Pietrangelo has walked a fine line getting Holmes the playing time necessary to develop while also being sure not to put him into situations where he could be in over his head.
“For any 16-year-old, this league is tough, I don’t care who you are or how good you are,” Pietrangelo said. “We have eight 20-year-old guys here and it’s not just the on-ice aspect. It’s the social thing too. Guys are at different periods of their life. There’s a big difference between 16 and 20, what you’re doing after a game and what you’re doing on a day off. All that stuff.
“We try to be very cautious with whoever we bring in. You have to be aware the maturity level is there with the kid. He’s got that.”
Pietrangelo says the long junior season can take a toll on younger players.
“They have to play but it’s a long year and we’re kind of handcuffed as coaches with the mandate they have to be in the lineup every game,” he said. “Coming from minor midget hockey where the schedule is not as difficult, they don’t play as many games and certainly don’t practice as much. There are a lot of aspects that go into this.
“I’ve found with all the kids they go through ups and downs. They go through streaks where they are strong physically and mentally but it’s long year and there were times he looked a little drained and it wore on him a little bit. It’s very challenging with the length and demands of junior hockey.”
Holmes, whose older brother Hunter is a member of the Flint Generals, worked out diligently in preparation for the season.
“It started last year when I was preparing for it,” he said. “I knew I wouldn’t be playing midget again so I started training three times a week with practices. There have been a couple of late nights and then you look and see we still have two weeks (before playoffs), but I’m excited.
Holmes, a Grade 11 student at A.N. Myer, collected a pair of assists in his junior debut back in September in the season opener versus St. Catharines, but points overall have been tough to come by.
He netted his first goal last month and then potted a pair Sunday to help the Canucks top the Pelham Panthers.
“It felt good because it was a while since I got the first one and it even took me a while to get that. It feels great and all the guys were happy for me.”
Pietrangelo was happy to see the puck go in for Holmes.
“You want to see production and he got a couple of goals for us which was great,” Pietrangelo said. “He’s had a ton of chances for us. My philosophy is if you’re getting the chances sooner or later they will come. If you’re not getting the chances, they you have to start worrying. He’s just had a tough time putting it in the back of the net.”
Holmes, who selected to participate in GOJHL 2018-19 Future Stars Game, joined his brother at camp in Flint after he was selected by the Firebirds in the 11th round of the 2018 Ontario Hockey League draft.
“They told me I had a great camp,” he said. “I haven’t really thought about (next year). Whatever happens, happens. I’ll probably go back for rookie camp and see what happens.”
The Canucks are home to Fort Erie Friday and the Falcons Monday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. in a Family Day matinee.
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