It’s go time for Pats winger’s rookie season
Adjusting to speed of major junior biggest challenge for 17-year-old
Nick Henry is determined to take his game to another level this season — literally and figuratively.
The 17-year-old winger will get that chance with the WHL’s Regina Pats, who represent the next rung in the ladder of a promising career.
Henry arrived with a string of successes in his wake, most notably a smooth transition to the junior level last season with the MJHL’s Portage Terriers, capping it off as a league champion and rookie-ofthe-year winner.
Henry’s impressive junior A resume translated nicely to the WHL in the pre-season, when he was among the league leaders with five goals and 11 points in seven games.
Of course, Henry is well aware that pre-season numbers have zero value when the real games begin.
That’s why he’s not content to rest on his laurels.
“I just continually come to the rink every day and work hard and show (the coaches) that I can compete at this level,” said Henry.
“Playing with good players, you’re going to put numbers up. That’s something I’ve been able to do because I played with good players last year (in Portage) and I’ve played with good players this year in the pre-season. It’s good to have some success but it’s going to be a whole new animal when the regular season comes around.”
Henry was slated to take his first official steps as a WHL player on Friday when Regina opened the 2016-17 season against the Prince Albert Raiders.
It was a much-anticipated debut after the Pats spent most of the summer trying to recruit Henry, whose WHL rights were acquired from the Everett Silvertips. He eventually chose Regina, turning down an NCAA scholarship from Western Michigan University.
Despite his credentials, the Pats have been careful to temper expectations for Henry’s rookie season.
That said, it’s clear they believe he can make an early impact.
“Nick had some good success in exhibition,” noted head coach/GM John Paddock. “That’s good but now it’s going to be for real. He’s a young player and (teams) are going to play him harder. The games are going to be harder. But I think he’s going to very quickly find a way to rise through that.”
Henry is the first to admit his transition to the WHL won’t be easy. He figured that out after his first day with the Pats, who like to establish a high tempo in practice because it sets the tone for their games.
“Adjusting to the speed from junior to major junior, that was the biggest thing,” Henry said after Regina’s final pre-season game.
“It’s probably going to be another step up in the regular season when all the vets get back (from NHL camps). It’s going to be a learning curve, that’s for sure.”
It’s worth noting that Henry handled it just fine last season. Despite being one of the MJHL’s youngest players, he recorded 26 goals and 61 points in just 50 regular-season games before adding 10 goals and 18 points in 17 playoff contests.
Much like pre-season numbers, junior A stats can be like fool’s gold at the major-junior level.
However, the Pats are convinced Henry is the real deal.
“He makes lots of plays out there,” said Paddock, who will immediately deploy his prize recruit on a top line. “It’s up to him how much (he plays) and how productive (he’ll be). He’s a good player but he’s a rookie and he’s going to grow his game. He’s going to get better as the season goes on.”
Although Henry is confident in his ability, he can’t be sure exactly how the whole thing will play out.
That’s why instead of making any bold predictions, he’s content to let things evolve.
“I don’t want to come in with too many expectations because if I’m not able to exceed them, it kind of sucks,” he added. “I’m going to come in and try to produce offensively and be a good player on this team. I want to help them win hockey games. That’s my biggest goal this year ... just team success.” NOTE: Details from Friday’s season opener can be found on leaderpost. com.
He’s a good player but he’s a rookie and he’s going to grow his game. He’s going to get better as the season goes on.