Defender de Gray in timely return

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Rookie defenceman John de Gray’s return to the Battalion lineup came at a most opportune time for the Ontario Hockey League club.rrThe Battalion’s first-round pick in the 2004 OHL Priority Selection missed four games while attending the World Under-17 Challenge with the Ontario team and another eight games with a shoulder injury suffered in his last game at the tournament.rrHe returned for the Battalion’s 2-0 home victory Jan. 23 over the Peterborough Petes. The Troops were without several veteran blueliners, including Phil Oreskovic and Stuart Simmons, who were sidelined with injuries, and Nick Duff, who was in uniform but too sick to play.rrIt was nice to get back after sitting out,” de Gray said Tuesday. It’s tough to watch from the stands. I was really excited to get back and, since we had a short bench, I got a ton of ice time.”rrThe 16-year-old Markham resident credited head trainer Brad Handley with accelerating his return.rrBrad pushed me really hard to get back, and I had stayed in good shape through the injury. That helped prepare me to step right back in.”rrWith the playoffs ever closer, de Gray said he’s seen the intensity of games increase.r rI really noticed a difference since I sat out for a bunch of games. Our division and our conference are so tight, and every game is so important. The games are really intense, and you can’t afford not to be ready.”rrWith Oreskovic out of the lineup, de Gray has been paired with Michael Vernace.rrIt’s different playing with Mike. Phil brings his size and physical play into the game. But playing with Vernace is great too, because he’s a very offensive player. rrPlaying with those guys has given me a lot of confidence. If Mike goes up I’ll be there to back him up, and he’ll do the same for me if I go up. The same goes for Phil. He’s always there if I make a mistake or get caught out of position.”rrVernace’s offensive skills rubbed off on de Gray when he scored his second goal of the season early in the third period of a 6-4 loss Sunday to the visiting Ottawa 67’s. rrI was excited to get that goal,” said de Gray, who ventured deep into Ottawa territory to snap a wrist shot past goaltender Anthony Guadagnolo. rrI noticed the puck was down low and the winger who was covering me was out of position, so I jumped in and I took a nice pass from Patrick Sweeney and buried it.”rrHe admitted that that wasn’t a play he would have tried to make a few months ago.rrI wasn’t that used to playing in the league and taking risks, but now I’m more confident out there and I can take some more chances, and I think that’s made me a better player.rrWhen I see Mike make so many great offensive plays it really boosts my confidence, because I can learn from him.”rrWith 35 OHL games under his belt, de Gray said, he’s happy with his progress.rrI think I’m right where I should be. The coaching has been great, and playing with guys like Oreskovic and Vernace has really helped too. There are much more skilled players in this league, but working hard in practice and watching and learning from other players has helped me make the adjustment. It’s been a challenge, but I think I’ve done a good job.”r