McNabb, mates draw praise in loss
KINGSTON, Ont. – Graham McNabb credits his Brampton Battalion linemates with helping him to the best offensive start of his Ontario Hockey League career.
Centre McNabb, who skates with rookie left winger Mike Lomas and veteran right winger Michal Klejna, ran a points streak to five games with a goal in the Battalion’s 7-4 loss Friday night to the Kingston Frontenacs. McNabb has recorded all of his six points, including three goals, in the streak.
“We’re a really offensive line,” said McNabb, whose goal at 19:56 of the first period, assisted by Lomas and Klejna, put the Troops up 3-1.
“We move the puck around pretty good, and I always know where those guys are going to be. Our line is gelling pretty well, and I really enjoy playing with those guys. We’re making some plays.”
Battalion coach Stan Butler praised the trio’s efforts.
“That line might have been our best one so far this season. They have good chemistry together. Graham’s a guy who has steadily got better as he’s gone on here, and as he gets more confidence he’ll continue to get better.”
McNabb, a 19-year-old from Minesing, Ont., who’s in his third season with the Battalion, enjoyed his best offensive production last year, scoring six goals and adding 11 assists for 17 points in 68 games.
“I’m going to the net and doing what I have to to score. I’m getting some bounces, and I think I’ve sacrificed a bit defensively to get a few more points. I need to tighten up in my own end and bear down on the chances I’m getting.”
McNabb’s goal kept the Troops in front against Kingston until Peder Skinner scored to tie the game on the power play at 15:14 of the second period. The Frontenacs scored three more goals in the period in a span of 2:25.
“It was a real learning experience for us,” said Butler, whose team has lost its last three games.
“We took about 10 minutes off in the second, and when you do that against a team with Kingston’s ability it will come back to bite you. They scored five goals in that period and broke the game open.”
Said McNabb: “We stopped skating and stopped working and lost all the battles.”
Three of Kingston’s second-period goals were scored on the power play. The Frontenacs, who added a power-play goal in the third period, have 13 goals in 33 man-advantage opportunities in their first five games and lead the OHL in power-play effectiveness at 39.4 percent.
“We took some lazy penalties and gave them power plays, and you don’t want to do that against them,” said Butler. “I think their power play will be right up with the London Knights’ this season.”
