Pushing away from the pack

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

The numbers can be slightly intimidating: 60 players, six goalies, six NHL draftees, and 14 Memorial Cup winning Oshawa Generals all vying for one of the 22 roster positions that will make up the team for the upcoming 2015/2016 season.

For the Generals’ first-round draft pick from this year’s OHL Priority Selection, 16-year-old Jack Studnicka, the intense competition is a great experience.

“It’s a high competition, so it’s a little different than previous years. But after the jitters got out, it was really fun and it’s going to be a great experience,” Studnicka told The Oshawa Express during the camp.

Selected 21^st overall in the Priority Selection on April 11, the Tecumseh native had a successful season last year in Detroit with the Belle Tire U16 squad, putting up 31 goals and 89 points in 71 games played.

On the ice at the GM Centre, he says he just wanted to stick to his game.

“You’ve got to separate yourself form the pack by playing your game, working as hard as you can,” he said. “Sometimes things may not go right, but you’ve got to stick to your game. You can’t be something you’re not.”

He admitted the pressure can be a little difficult sometimes, with potential future coaches and other trained eyes judging your every shot, pass and stride.

“Obviously, when you make a mistake, it’s going to be tough,” he said. “You’ve got to get back to the bench and just clear your mind and get it out of the way, you know, and go on the ice the next time and do it right, just to show it’s not getting to you.”

A member of Team Red during the three-day camp, Studnicka found his name beside the likes of Generals Matt Mistele, Stephen Desrocher, and Kenny Heuther.

He says it’s a great opportunity to improve his game by watching some older players.

“This year is about learning and developing, so I’m excited to have some of the older guys in the room with me,” he said.