Long wait worth it for McNabb

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Graham McNabb finally got the news he’d been waiting for Saturday night.rrThe 17-year-old left winger had been waiting patiently for his chance to get into the lineup when he was told he’d be making his Ontario Hockey League debut the next day against the visiting Plymouth Whalers. And he made the most of the opportunity, earning an assist on a line with centre John Seymour and right winger J.F. Houle as the Troops beat the Whalers 4-1.rrIt had been a long time and I thought I might get in a little sooner,” said McNabb on Wednesday. But once I finally got the chance it felt really good.rrIt was great to go out and get things going. I didn’t even think we’d get as many shifts as we got. It was good for me to know that I can actually play here.”rrMcNabb’s major junior debut was delayed after he suffered a sprained ankle playing softball in mid-August. The injury kept him off the ice through the Battalion’s training camp and exhibition schedule.rrIt was tough especially not knowing what would happen,” said McNabb, a sixth-round choice of the Battalion in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection. I had no idea whether I’d be going to school here or what I’d be doing.”rrOnce his ankle healed, McNabb was assigned to the Bramalea Blues of the Provincial Junior A League by Battalion director of hockey operations Stan Butler in order to get into game shape.rrThe Blues have struggled this season with only one win in 19 games, but McNabb has taken advantage of the opportunity, scoring three goals and adding two assists for five points in 11 games.rrI’m getting lots of ice time there and that has really helped me because if I hadn’t been in game situations in Bramalea it would make it la lot harder to play here. I think I’m improving all the time.”rrMcNabb spent last season with the Blues, recording eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 43 games.rrPlaying there last year really helped because for the first time I was playing with bigger and older players. The hockey was more intense and I think it really prepared me for this year.”rrWhen he’s not on the ice with the Blues McNabb said he is learning all he can in daily practices with the Troops.rrI’m always learning in practice. I had a late start to the season but it didn’t take me long to realize that I could be a good player by working hard in practice.”r