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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2009-09-09, Page 10Pogo 10 The Huron Expositor • September 9, 2009 Brothers Cal and Ryan O'Reilly get set for NHL season in Nashville Denver Gerard Creces Ryari, O'Reilly, an 18 -year-old Varna native, is headed to Colorado this year after being drafted for the Avalanche in the second round of the 2009 NHL draft. The experience was like noth- ing else, he said. While most of the county was watching to see who their favourite teams would pick up, O'Reilly was literally watching to see his own fate. "It was one of the most nerve- wracking things," he said. "I didn't get picked the first day but that worked even better. I got into Colo- rado on the next day:" He said he is looking forward to beginning rookie camp this month, though he says he has a long way to go before he expects to actually take to the NHL ice. "It will probably take a few more years," he said. "These are the best players in the world. I need to ma- ture a lot more." Among Ryan's accomplishments are being the top OHL pick in 2007, scoring 66 points in 68 games with the Erie Otters last season; captain- ing Team Canada at the U18 World Cup, and now his drafting into the National Hockey League. Called a 'thinking man's play- er' and a `natural playmaker' by Sportsnet.ca and hockeyfutures. coin, O'Reilly's dedication to the game and to the success of the team as a whole is what makes him such a promising player. Fifty of his 66 points last year were assists. However, he said he wants to work on his skating strength and shoot the puck more. "I'm a little slow," he said. "It's something I've got to work on to make the jump to the pros." "Get faster, more efficient." Ryan said he has another three years on the Otters before make or break time with the Avalanche. Meanwhile, older brother Cal al- ready has 11 games under his belt in the NHL; playing for the Nash- ville Predators. He said this year, he hopes to ce- ment a place on the Predators' ros- ter, after playing much of last sea- son for the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League. "I hope to be there for a full year," he said. "And not just an up and down guy." Cal already has five points under his NHL belt, including three goals and two assists. • Patience and control are two of the greatest assets a player can have when waiting to make the leap up to pro, he said, as well as an ability to adjust to the different style of hockey played at the high- est levels. The guys there are bigger, stron- ger and faster, and he said he uses his summers to improve his size and strength which in turn boosts SET YOUR SKATES OUTI Clinton Skating Club Registration at Clinton Arena Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Learn to Skate Can -Skate (junior) Intermediate/Senior Option of skating 1 or days • a week More info call: 519-233-7474 Dominique Milburn photo The NHL has a new Huron County connection with brothers Cal (left). and Ryan O'Reilly of Vama. Cal is part of the Nashville Predators club, wile brother Ryan was drafted this June to the Colorado Avalanche. At left, the brothers take some time for the press after helping out at a kids' hockey school In Seaforth last month. "every aspect of the game." Both O'Reillys are skilled stick - handlers, and Cal said his own playmaking abilities are rooted in the belief that without knowing how to play defence, you can't suc- ceed on the other side of the blue starting or want to Play Hockey or ltIngattos Improve your skating skillsi Ore -Power skating (Approx. ages 3-6) OR Power skating lessions Registration at the Clinton Arena Wednesday, $ ptmmbmr 16, 6:30 pm : 8:30 pm Mora Into call: SAr $19-,4$g-9609 line. "As a player you just have to know and work both ends of the rink," he said. "If you can't play defence, you can't play offence. Cal was headed back to the U.S. last week, and will be in Nashville for training Sept. 10. "I can't wait to get back at it," he said. Ryan said his big brother is still an influence on his game, and the two talk fre- quently through- out the season. Both brothers credit not only their large fam- ily for the hock- ey influence, but the staff at the Seaforth arena who would open their doors to the O'Reillys before school growing p and allowing them to skate for free. Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation Fundraising Campaign New X-RAY Unit