Vermeulen looking to make an impact
Andrew Vermeulen has made an early impression during the first couple of days of training camp with the Niagara IceDogs.
The 17-year-old winger has not only been a physical presence in scrimmages, but has also netted a pair of goals each day.
Vermeulen’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“As these guys change every year they get a little stronger, they get a litter bigger, they mature. I’m excited to see how he’s going to evolve,” IceDogs coach Ryan Kuwabara said. “(He brings) size, obviously, and physicality and he does have a scoring touch so that’s kind of a unique combination. Hopefully he is able to put something together there where his consistency is good.”
Vermeulen, who hails from Selkirk, was selected by the IceDogs in the fourth round of the 2022 Ontario Hockey League draft.
He spent last season with the Brantford 99ers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League where he tallied 16 goals and 28 points in 38 games and admits he feels much more at ease in his second OHL training camp.
“The experience is obviously there compared to last year. I feel stronger, and overall feel more of a leader in the room. It’s a good feeling coming in being more confident in my game,” he said.
Vermeulen conceded there are many obstacles to overcome as a rookie at the OHL level.
“It’s tough. It depends how you start off the year too. Your confidence, it can go up and it can go down. Being a rookie can be tough but I feel like I have overcome it well.”
Vermeulen got into 23 games with the IceDogs last season where he picked up a pair of assists.
“It honestly was a real eye-opener for me,” he said. “The speed of the game was way quicker up here. I loved it. It really helped me as to what I have to work on in the summer.”
Vermeulen focused on gaining strength, putting on weight and getting quicker over the summer.
“I really noticed it, especially the strength and being able to keep the same speed,” he said.
Vermeulen, who in enrolled in Grade 12 courses at Governor Simcoe, feels he is ready to make an impact this season.
“I just want to come in and move up the lineup and quick as I can. Have a good role here and produce and help the team win,” he said.
Kuwabara said jobs are there for the taking.
“Everybody is (in the running) right now. It’s who rises to the top.”
The IceDogs continue camp with practices Thursday and Friday before hosting the Peterborough Petes Saturday at 7 p.m. to open the pre-season.
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