Brendan Trottier has a better idea of what it will take to make it to the Ontario Hockey League.
The Petrolia hockey player was among a select group invited to the Sarnia Sting training camp recently. Trottier earned the spot after being drafted by the Sting in April.
At just 16, Trottier knew going in it was a long shot to make the team’s roster this year but that didn’t stop him from skating hard. “I knew I wasn’t going to be on the team, I just wanted to make a good impression for the next year when it could be possible,” says Trottier.
Trottier says training camp was a lot different than he expected. “I learned actually how fast-paced the game is at this level,” he says. “Watching some of the actual Sting guys in the scrimmage and how fast they react to things was amazing…I thought I kept up quite well.”
And Head Coach Trevor Letowski had some positive words for Trottier. “He says my compete level was very good…they really like how I was working hard.
“One of the main thing he looks for is compete level,” says Trottier. “As long as you compete hard and work hard you’ll have a successful team.”
Trottier hopes Letowski remembers his hard work during the season if there is a hole on the line to fill. “Being from Petrolia, I’m 20 minutes away from Sarnia,” says Trottier. “I wanted to show them that if it came down to it, I could play for them. I wanted to prove myself for next year and I wanted to show them that I could play at that level.”
Until he get’s the call from the Sting, Trottier will lace up with the Lambton Predators of the Jr. B league. The Preds take to the ice for the season opener in Sarnia tonight.