By Scott Fisher /
John Tavares is ready to take on the world.
And, for the first time on the big stage, the world will get a look at Canada’s next ‘Can’t Miss Kid.’
Tavares has toyed with his OHL opposition the past two seasons.
Last year, he torched the OHL for 72 goals and 134 points and was named the CHL’s player of the year ... as a 16 year old.
As the top scorer in the CHL again this season with 68 points in 30 games, he’s well on his way to defending that title. The last player to accomplish that feat was Sidney Crosby (2004-05).
But there was one thing the phenom hadn’t accomplished until last week. He hadn’t been able to crack Team Canada’s world junior roster.
But head coach Craig Hartsburg couldn’t deny the 17-year-old Oshawa Generals star this time around.
“He’s a good player and we know that,” Hartsburg said during the Team Canada selection camp in Calgary.
“But I think he’s working on his game and trying to be more well-rounded.
“He’s gifted offensively and we know he can score. He knows the importance — not only here but with his own team back in Oshawa — of playing both ways.”
Tavares didn’t take his roster spot for granted. He threw his 6-ft., 200-lb. frame around with reckless abandon throughout camp in an attempt to show the coaches he’s willing to sacrifice individual stats for the common good.
Tavares, who was extremely disappointed when he was left off last year’s world junior squad, said he’s learned a lot since his first camp.
“Be consistent, do things right and follow the systems the coaches have asked you to follow,” he said.
“Do whatever it takes to win, even if it means sacrificing your body, and sacrificing the normal roles you have with your club teams.
“Those are some of the things I’ve learned from last year.”
He also felt he might have tried to do too much last year, stepping outside of his game to try to catch the eyes of the scouting staff.
He didn’t make that mistake again.
“I learned from last year (not to) try to do too much and trying to impress too much,” he said. “I just have to keep it simple, do the things I’m good at and play well in all three zones.
“And I’m handling all the attention and pressure a little easier.”
Asked what it would mean to be handed a Maple Leaf jersey, the Oakville, Ont., product couldn’t contain his excitement.
“It would be a dream come true,” he said. “It would be the best Christmas present you could ever ask for.”
Incredibly, Tavares might be back to lead Team Canada again next year. Because his 18th birthday won’t arrive until Sept. 20 — five days to late to qualify for the draft — he’s not eligible fto enter the NHL sweepstakes until 2009.
While some believe the NHL should make a special exemption for Tavares, others insist his game can still progress at the junior level.
World junior teammate Karl Alzner, who was born on Sept. 24, also had to wait almost a full year longer to be drafted.
He said there’s still plenty to learn.
“As he gets older, he’s going to learn the entire game a little bit more,” Alzner told the Calgary Sun. “For me, the last year or two, I’ve learned a lot.
“He’d become even more confident and become more of a leader, all those little things you pick up. Any of the older guys will tell you the league feels slower the older you get.”
Regardless of where he plays hockey next season, Canadian hockey fans will be treated to a special treat this holiday season. |
