Albert getting plenty of action
BRAMPTON, Ont. – As he marked his 18th birthday Tuesday, defenceman Brad Albert of the Brampton Battalion figured he’s got a little older and a little wiser in his first Ontario Hockey League season.
“I think I’ve improved a lot over the year,” said Albert. “I’ve been here a while and I’m learning a lot from my teammates and coaches.”
Albert has played 45 of the Battalion’s 63 games, but with fellow rookie blueliners Kevin Christmas and Ken Peroff pressed into service with the team’s depleted forward corps, the Ottawa native has dressed for the last seven games.
“It’s great being able to play a bunch of games in a row,” said Albert, who has one goal and seven assists for eight points. “I think I’ve really been able to adapt to the league, and the number of games I’ve played this season has helped.”
A fourth-round pick in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection, Albert said the rookies are gaining invaluable experience as the Battalion battles the Peterborough Petes for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
“We look at it that way. It’s great for us so that we’ll be ready for situations like this in the future. It’s really helping us get ready for the playoffs. It’s really important that we take advantage of the opportunities we’re getting now.”
Albert, who has seen action on the second power-play unit, said he has paid special attention to how veteran defencemen Kyle Sonnenburg and Tomas Stryncl play with the man advantage.
“I’ve been able to get out there once in a while. That’s good, because in the future I think that’ll be one of the roles I have and the coaches will be expecting me to contribute on the power play. I’ve been watching those guys all year and I’m still trying to learn what to do.”
