Tomasino rounding into form
Philip Tomasino has turned his game around after a slow start.
The sophomore forward went the first eight games of the season without a goal before finally scoring at Sudbury Oct. 14.
Recently, the 17-year-old Mississauga native has been playing his best hockey of the season, something Niagara IceDogs coach Billy Burke attributes to confidence.
“The last two weekends with Akil (Thomas) going down has been an opportunity for him to step up and he’s taken that opportunity,” Burke said.
Tomasino now has four goals and 11 points in 19 games and has begun to exhibit more of the dynamic offensive talent on a consistent basis that opened the IceDogs eyes enough to draft him fourth overall in the 2017 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
“I feel like I’ve been playing some of my best hockey for sure, so it’s a fun time,” Tomasino said. “We haven’t been winning as many games lately but every individual on our team has been stepping up their game.”
Tomasino collected five goals and 19 points in 61 games last season, displaying occasional brilliance on the offensive side.
“As a rookie, it’s hard to play top minutes, especially on a good team as we were last year,” he said. “This year, I’m finding my role and playing my game. We have a lot of great players on our team and whenever I get a chance, I try and take advantage of it.”
Tomasino said his comfort level is much higher this season.
“Obviously when I first joined Niagara, I didn’t really know the guys and things like that but now you know the league and know how everyone plays,” he said. “Last year was definitely a lot of fun and something special and I enjoyed every moment.”
Tomasino has been filling in at centre recently with Thomas out with an upper body injury. Thomas is listed as week to week. He’s also picked up the slack with sniper Kirill Maksimov out of the lineup playing with Team Russia in the OHL Super Series. Maksimov will be in the lineup for Niagara this week.
“Playing centre or playing with Akil, I really don’t mind,” Tomasino said. “Any position is definitely fine. We have great players who are great to play with.”
The IceDogs, who are 5-4-1 in their last 10, have slipped to third in the Central Division, one point behind Mississauga and Sudbury, who are tied for first with 24 points each.
“We’re a pretty good team and the last few games we haven’t got the results we wanted, but hopefully we can go on a run and step up our game,” Tomasino said. “Akil and Kirill are two big pieces of our team and hopefully we get them back sooner than later.
“It would be great for us and show the rest of the league what we’re capable of.”
The IceDogs, 10-6-3-1, are home to Hamilton Thursday before traveling to Erie Saturday and Oshawa Sunday.
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.
