In his overage year in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Braeden Kressler has had quite the time.
He scored his 20th goal of the season on Friday against the Sarnia Sting. And since coming to Ottawa from the Flint Firebirds, Kressler’s averaged 1.2 points per game.
He’s had six points in the past five games, two against Sarnia.
Kressler said keeping up with his offensive pace comes down to his teammates.
“You’ve got coaches that are pushing you everyday in practice, that helps a ton.”
What separates Ottawa from other teams in the league is their organization, said Kressler.
“This team is professional. We’re very structured, we know what we’re doing right off the get go from each game. When you have that structure, it’s easy to follow and let the talent take over at that point.”
Being in his last year in the league, and a prospect for Toronto, it seems there’s plenty for Kressler to think about.
But success in hockey can take many forms, Kressler explained.
“The range is huge, and I think that’s the best part about hockey and sports in general,” said Kressler.
Kressler also mentioned a number of different leagues across the world. With the luxury of choice, a player can find their own success.
“If playing in the East Coast is what you want, then you stick to it,” he said. “I think that’s what you get when you join hockey. You go along with the journey and have some fun along the way.”
Ottawa played Saginaw Spirit Sunday in the Michigan city and Kressler picked up two more assists giving him 51 points this season from his time in Flint and in Ottawa. The 67’s lost the game 6-5 in overtime on a goal from Matyas Sapovaliv.
The 67’s have now picked up a point in six straight games and stand in fifth place in the Eastern Conference of the OHL.
