Five Pre-Season Questions with Philip Tomasino

Philip Tomasino returns for his second OHL season with the Niagara IceDogs after being chosen fifth overall in the 2017 Priority Selection.

Eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, the Mississauga, Ont., native scored five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 61 games as a rookie last season and received an invite to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Camp in July.

Tomasino took time during IceDogs Training Camp to answer some questions and share his outlook on the season ahead.

What was your favourite rookie moment in the OHL last season?

“My favourite moment from my rookie year was probably scoring my first goal. It was kind of a special moment for me and for everyone. It felt good to get that one and we ended up winning the game so it was a great feeling.”

What part of your game did you develop the most during your first year and what do you hope to improve this season?

“The part I developed the most throughout my first year was kind of my overall skill level. Playing with some pretty good guys on our team definitely gave me some advice and helped me improve my overall skills last year. I hope to improve on becoming a more complete player this year. We’re going to have a pretty good team so hopefully I can improve on that and help our team win.”

It’s a long ways away but are you excited about the thought of being drafted by an NHL team next June?

“For sure it would be an unbelievable honour to be drafted by any NHL team. Right now the main focus is on the upcoming year and how I can help our team win. It’s definitely going to be an exciting year.”

After a strong performance at Hockey Canada’s Summer Under-18 Camp, how motivated are you to wear the red maple leaf in the future?

“It was a good experience. I learned a lot throughout the whole camp but it definitely motivates me to be a great player and kind of pushes me to be the best I can be. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming year and hopefully I get the chance to wear the maple leaf in the future.”

Expectations are high for the IceDogs this season. Do you think you can achieve the championship goal?

“We’re a pretty good team this year so our goal is definitely to challenge for a league championship. It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to get started.”

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.