Player Profile: Austen Keating
Photo: Tony Saxon – Guelph Mercury
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Birthdate: March 7, 1999
Hometown: Guelph, ON
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 161 llbs.
Shoots: Left
Postion: C/W
The 16-year-old Guelph native captained the Guelph Gryphons Minor Midget team last season, where he scored 30 goals and added 30 assists in 36 games.
His coach in Guelph, Ryan Black, describes Austen as a character kid with impressive leadership abilities. As for his on-ice talents, Coach Black said, “He sees the ice really well and has a great shot, he’s definitely ready for the next level and has what it takes.”
Austen describes his strengths very similarly as well. “The way I see the ice. The way I find my teammates and not be selfish with the puck. I’m able to score some goals when we need a goal. Also, my leadership skills.”
He models his game after NHL superstar Jonathan Toews. “He’ll score big goals, he’ll block shots,” Keating said. “It seems that whatever he’s asked to do, he does it so well. That’s the kind of player I want to be.”
Like Toews, Keating thrives under pressure. “I always like the feeling when the nerves come in. Before a big game, those butterflies in your stomach: I just like the feeling, it means something is on the line,” said Austen.
At the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, 67’s GM and head coach Jeff Brown and head scout Pat Higgins knew they needed help on defence, but could not pass up on Keating’s talent.
“This kid has great hockey sense, he has a great stick, he sees the ice well,” Higgins said. “He’s very unselfish. He just plays the game the right way all the time (and) he’s only going to get bigger and stronger.”
Keating, a former lacrosse player as well, enjoys training six days a week throughout the summer and takes part in power skating lessons all year round.
He’s also the youngest of four boys and his parents, Bill and Melanie, could not be prouder of his accomplishments so far.
