CHANGE OF SCENERY WORKS FOR PADULO
In his first game back in Oshawa, Colts forward John Padulo desperately wanted a victory against his former club.
Although Barrie lost to the Generals 7-4 at the General Motors Centre on Nov. 21, Padulo was recognized for his two seasons there by Oshawa prior to the game with a nice applause from the crowd as the winger was on the Colts’ starting five.
“I was out there for the opening face-off, so I heard it,” Padulo said before a Colts practice. “It made me feel warm in my heart, but I am playing for the Colts and I was really pumped up for the game and really wanted to get the two points.”
Padulo played in 115 games from 2008-2010 with the Generals, scoring 12 goals and 26 points, and recalls his time breaking into the OHL fondly.
“I met a lot of good guys there,” he said. “It was a good coaching staff and I had a good situation there with my billets, but it wasn’t the best situation for me with ice time and I’m really fortunate I get a second chance with Barrie.”
The Rochester, N.Y., native faced a difficult challenge as a 16-year-old moving to a new country to further his hockey career.
“My first year in Oshawa was definitely different,” he said. “Being on my own, I was kind of scared at first, not knowing what to expect and taking care of myself. My billets helped me out a lot, and the older guys on the team really made me feel at home.”
Padulo received a fresh start when he was acquired by the Colts just before the season started, and he has been able to have an expanded role on a team lacking experienced OHL talent.
While the young group was expected to struggle early on this season, winning only four games out of their first 22, Padulo believes it is time that the team shows results.
“We’re definitely a young team, but it’s not an excuse anymore. We’re 22 games in and I think the young guys have a feel for the league now and what to expect night in and night out.”
“As we approach Christmas we need to start getting some wins, because if you look at the standings getting tighter and tighter, and if you keep losing games you’ll be out of the playoffs.”
The 18-year-old is part of a select group of Colts with OHL experience heading into this season, and while the veterans on the team have done their best to set a positive example, the Colts are relying on some of the younger players to grow in leadership roles.
“[Mark] Scheifele and [Mackenzie] Braid are playing huge minutes and they have to adjust quickly to the game and almost take some leadership because there aren’t a lot of veterans here,” Padulo said. “You never know, come trade deadline time, some guys could be gone and the roles could get bigger for our younger guys.”
Padulo describes himself as a feisty player who will defend his teammates and chip in offensively, and the forward hopes to reach the 40-point and 100-penalty minute mark by the end of this season.
“I think it’s good to set goals and realize where you’re at,” he said. “Those things are secondary to team success. I’ve never made the playoffs in my OHL career and it would be a good accomplishment for myself and the team.”
COLTS NOTES
Favourite NHL Team: Buffalo Sabres
Favourite NHL Player: Ryan Callahan
Favourite Video Game: Call of Duty
Favourite Movie: Miracle
Favourite TV Show: Price is Right
Favourite Hockey Moment: Getting drafted into the OHL
