Similarities abound

Hunter Drew and Pascal Aquin overage seasons started the same

Charlottetown Islanders defenceman Hunter Drew doesn’t have far to look for a player with a similar career.

Last year, Pascal Aquin started his final junior season with a suspension for a big hit in the pre-season. Drew got suspended in his first game after returning from pro camp this season.

“We both had kind of tough starts, but it’s about the rebound,” Drew said. “If you look at Pascal’s year after that, it was unbelievable. He signed a pro contract, like I am trying to do. If I can do what he did, then I’ll be proud of myself.”

The similarities go further than the start and rebound of their overage seasons and style of play. “And (Drew’s) impact on our dressing room is very similar to (Aquin’s),” head coach Jim Hulton said. “A kid that plays with his heart on his sleeve, plays physical and sticks up for teammates. We saw how far that took us with a guy like Pascal, and it’s almost like the torch has been passed to Hunter.”

Just as Aquin had to learn the delicate balance of playing physical without crossing the line, Drew has done the same.

“It’s never easy,” Drew said, noting there are many variables and the importance of picking his spots. “I am learning as I get older, I guess.”

Hulton has noticed.

“The one area that jumps out to me immediately is his on-ice discipline has been much better,” he said.