Charron hopes to keep contributing
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
As an OHL rookie, his classroom is a 200-foot long sheet of ice, one that measures 85-feet across.
And while Jordan Charron’s coach marvels over his speed and shot, it’s the right-winger’s “willingness to learn” in that classroom that is turning heads.
“We know he’s going to score,” Soo Greyhounds head coach John Dean said of Charron, a 17-year-old (2007 birth year). “He has NHL speed and an NHL shot, so scoring, I think, will come quite naturally. But what’s most impressive is the way in which he’s determined to learn.”
Better play away from the puck would help Charron became a more well-rounded player.
“I’m working towards playing a solid, 200-foot game,” said the Ayr, Ont., native, who’s determined to be an effective power forward.
Dean says he’s seeing good progress in that area.
“He’s very engaged,” the coach added. “I’m impressed with his willingness to evolve as a player. He’s done a fabulous job since he’s gotten here.”
Taken in the sixth round (No. 108 overall) of the 2023 Priority Selections draft, Charron, freed by the NCAA rule changes, signed with the Hounds on Nov. 17.
He has a verbal commitment to attend St. Lawrence University, a Division 1 school in Canton, N.Y., for the 2026-2027 season.
While Charron showed impressive flashes early in his Hounds career, he’s now scored goals in each of his last three games.
He’ll carry a 3-2-5 stat line in 11 games into Wednesday’s 7 p.m. start in North Bay. The Hounds are also slated to visit Guelph on Friday (7:07 p.m.) before entering the Christmas break.
The Soo is 14-17-0- while the Battalion carries a 13-13-3-0 mark into Wednesday’s clash.
“It feels great,” Charron, a six-foot-two, 190-pounder, said of his recent scoring prowess. “Obviously, my confidence is growing and I feel as if I’m getting used to the pace in the OHL.”
And by gaining insight about what the league is all about, Charron believes he “can produce more as the season goes on.”
He’s come to learn how the Major A loop is “much faster” than what he was accustomed to earlier this season while skating for the Ayr Centennials of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
There, he posted a 9-13-22 stat line in 18 games.
“A lot of players in the OHL have high (hockey) IQs, so you have to be able to read the game well,” said Charron, who agreed his skating is likely the most-impressive aspect of his game. “I’ve always had the legs, ever since I was a kid.”
As for his first month in the Sault, Charron says it’s been great.
He talked about how he loves living here.
“I think it’s great,” he added. “The coaching staff is great and the guys have been great. I’m really comfortable here. Deciding to come was a great decision.”
Fresh off Sunday’s 6-3 loss to Sarnia at GFL Memorial Gardens, the Greyhounds have lost four of their last five and eight of 10.
Dean spoke of how “we continue to be a team that turns over pucks at inopportune times. We’re making unnecessary mistakes and we continue to be a team that beats itself.”
The coach also said his club needs to recognize the situation it faces.
“We’re currently fighting for a playoff spot,” he said. “We have to put the onus on winning 50-50 battles and on our compete level. We need to be significantly better in both areas.”
Asked what message he’ll have for his charges heading into these final two games, Dean answered quickly.
He spoke of challenging – and questioning – Hounds players.
“What are you willing to do for your teammates? And what value do you bring to the team to help contribute to a winning culture?” he said. “We need to come together as 25 guys.”
Notes:
Centre Owen Allard (upper-body injury) is day to day, as is winger Sam Bowness (upper-and-lower body).
Forward Chris Brown (upper body) is listed as week-to-week while defenceman Spencer Evans (upper body) is getting close to returning, but likely won’t be back until after the break.
