Oliver Castleman Named IceDogs Rookie of the Month for November!
We’re now 2 months into the 2016-2017 Ontario Hockey League season. The Niagara IceDogs young core of rookies have showcased their talent to the fan base in a big way, contributing on both ends of the ice on a regular basis. Perhaps most notably, the flash and dash in the offensive zone has put these rookies on the map around the league. The IceDogs are proud to select Oliver Castleman as the Rookie of the Month for November. A native of Ottawa, ON, Castleman represents one-third of the “Young Guns” line along with fellow rookies Matthew Philip and Danial Singer. Drafted in the 4th round with the 78th overall pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Castleman has fit right into a regular spot in the IceDogs lineup. Through his first 25 games, Oliver ranks 4th in the OHL in rookie scoring with a total of 17 points in a combination of 7 goals and 10 assists.
IceDogs Director of Player Personnel Joey Burke marvelled at Castleman’s performance thus far. “I can’t say enough about what Castleman has been able to bring to the Niagara IceDogs so far. The fact that Castleman was drafted a year removed from his age group, speaks volumes on the immediate impact he’s been able to have for our team. To be in top 10 of the league rookie scoring as he is, is very impressive and he has been a central part of not only our ’99 line (Philip and singer) but of our entire team in general. He is a player that gets better every game and we look forward to what the future holds.”
Oliver recognizes and appreciates the high praise from the IceDogs coaching staff in the early stages of his development as an OHL caliber hockey player. “It’s such an honour being recognized by the coaching staff when you work. It really motivated me to keep it up, put my full effort every night and show the coaches that they made a good decision choosing me. Being noticed by an Ontario Hockey league coaching staff gave me a huge boost of confidence also. They push me and it really pays off!”
When asked about the success of the “Young Guns” line and the chemistry they’ve established early on, Castleman touched on a number of topics. “I think it means a lot to be having that much success early in the season because it shows that us three are clicking already and we just always know where each other will be on the ice. It’s also awesome having that much success already because we know we’re only gonna get better as a line. It shows coach Bell that he could depend on us to score a goal late in the game, or have a huge momentum shift for the boys.” Mark Seidel of NA Central Scouting showed some love for the Young Guns line on Twitter, mentioning “3 good 99’s! They play with pace and have scored! Castleman – Philip – Singer, how about that Young Guns line?”
As a young hockey player in pursuit of one day playing in the NHL, sacrifices must be made along the way. Like most players, Castleman is playing away from his hometown and is adjusting to living with a billet family as he continues his journey. “Yeah for sure. I won’t lie, at the start of the year I was not used to it at all, and it was a bit harder because I knew I wouldn’t be able to go home until Christmas break since it’s such a long drive. Sometimes when we had a weekend off, all the boys would go home, but I couldn’t, and that just made me miss it even more. But I’ve really adjusted, and I give a lot of thanks to my billets for making that 100x easier.”
When examining the progress of a hockey player, it’s important to recognize those who’ve played instrumental roles along the way. Who’s been the most influential in the success of Oliver’s career? “Easily my parents. They really motivated me because as I get older, I realize how much time and work and money they’ve put into me, getting to the rink, paying for new equipment, driving me to tournaments, paying for hotels, etc. If it weren’t for them, I definitely would not be in the position I am in to this day. So now they’ve done their job and now it’s my turn to make them proud.”
The OHL offers the highest caliber of hockey in the world for players between the age of 16-20. Making the jump from any other league requires patience and perseverance, both of which Castleman displays. “It’s a lot different for sure. They guys are a lot bigger, stronger, faster and I knew that they would be coming into this season. It took me a few games to get used to it and now I think I’m starting to settle in.”
The entire Niagara IceDogs organization would like to congratulate Oliver on a very successful month of November, and look forward to what he and his teammates can bring the rest of the season.
