Long shots look to impress Storm coaches
They are the long shots: draft picks of yesteryear, free agent invitees or other people’s unwanted property.
Making the Guelph Storm is an uphill battle for any first-year player, but for those who aren’t highly regarded imports or draft picks — guys like Riley Sonnenburg and Shawn Crowley — it’s a lot harder.
“They’ve given me an opportunity to step up and try and win a role here, so I’m putting everything I’ve got into it and we’ll see what happens,” said Sonnenburg, 19, after Friday’s morning practice.
“Basically, any way I can help the team, as a defensive third-line centreman or anything that would help this team win, would be great.”
Sonnenburg said when you’re a longshot you have to make sure you give it everything you’ve got on every shift and every practice drill.
Sonnenburg is technically the property of the Ottawa 67s, where he played 52 games in the 2008-2009 season. Last year he played junior B in Elmira. If he makes the cut with the Storm, a deal will be worked out with the 67s.
“I’m a little more confident and have more experience than my first time in the league, so I think I’m a better player now,” the Cambridge native said.
Crowley was a 2008 pick of the Storm. This is his third attempt at cracking the team’s lineup.
He’s battling it out with a group of defenceman for one or two remaining blue-line spots.
“Third year doesn’t really mean anything. I’m still here to make an impression on the coaches and try and win a spot,” said Crowley, who played junior B in Strathroy last season.
“A couple of years ago, I couldn’t really handle the puck and I’ve been working on that the last couple of years … they’re not looking at me as an offensive defenceman,” Crowley said.
The man making the decisions said the longshots are urged not to try and do too much.
“Try not to do too much and be something you’re not when you’re trying to make this team,” Brooks said. “Do well within your own game.”
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