Five Pre-Season Questions with Keeghan Howdeshell

Keeghan Howdeshell made his OHL debut last season as a 19-year-old after committing to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds last August.

The Brighton, Michigan, native was originally chosen by the club in the 10th round back in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection and made an immediate impact with the team scoring 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in 61 games.  He’s returned to the defending Western Conference champions for his overage season after attending Arizona Coyotes camp as a free agent invite.

Howdeshell took time to answer some questions and share his outlook on the season ahead.

How did you enjoy your first OHL season?

“It was great! I came in and all the coaching staff and players were open arms to me. We clicked right away, we had a great group of guys, and I think that helped us out in the long run. Overall I’d say it was a pretty good first year.”

What was your favourite memory from last season’s playoff run?

“I’d probably have to say playing in front of our fans. They brought a lot of great energy into the arena which helped us throughout the playoffs so I think that would have to be one of my best experiences.”

How did it feel to get an invite to Arizona Coyotes camp?

“It was great. It was special because I know the organization has been here for a long time and a lot of great players have come out of there so to be able to get invited to that camp, obviously with Barrett Hayton, is an honour and was a great time. I took a lot of things from it.”

It’ll be a new look team in Sault Ste. Marie this season and you’re one of the veterans. How do you embrace this role and what can fans expect from the Greyhounds?

“I think for myself that I need to be a leader to the first and second year guys still. I think that would be a huge role of mine this upcoming season. I think that the fans should expect kind of the same thing as last year. We’re young, we’ve got a lot of talent, a lot of skill, and a lot of energy.”

Are you excited for the season opener on the road in Saginaw?

“Yes I think we all are. We’ve been working hard every single day the last few weeks. I think we’re all anxious to get out there and get the season rolling.”

This month ontariohockeyleague.com will feature one team each day in advance of the 2018-19 season which begins Wednesday September 19th.  See more from the OHL 20 in 20 series.