Aidan Dudas and Kyle Heitzner, two speedy, crafty former North Central Predators teammates in Rama, seem to be skating in opposite directions in their Ontario Hockey League careers.
Although Heitzner’s Barrie Colts dominated Dudas’ Owen Sound Attack in Thursday’s season opener by a lopsided score of 9-2, Heitzner could only celebrate from the press box as he was a healthy scratch.
“He’s in a situation where other players beat him out for a spot in the lineup,” said Colts head coach Dale Hawerchuk. “It’s a hard part of the game, but it’s the reality of it.”
Heitzner, 19, is entering his third season in the OHL, and was obviously frustrated with being kept out of the lineup for the season opener. But it only serves as motivation, he said.
“I have to move on and get ready for our next game on Saturday, and even if I’m not in the lineup then, I’ll be working hard in practice, and I’ll prove them wrong at the end of the day,” Heitzner said.
Rumours regarding Heitzner’s future with the Colts are starting to circulate, and many believe there are teams around the league who might benefit from what he brings to the rink.
If Heitzner and the Colts do part ways, there won’t be any hard feelings from either party.
“This has been a childhood dream for me,” said Heitzner, a Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School graduate. “I can’t be thankful enough for this opportunity. It’s been a great ride here in Barrie, I’ve learned a lot form Dale (Hawerchuk) and my teammates.”
He knows a move wouldn’t be the end of the world. “If I don’t end up staying here, I still have lots of hockey ahead for me,” Heitzner added.
Hawerchuk is a fan of Heitzner, but confirmed that his future with the team is not set in stone.
“We’ll see what happens with Kyle over the next little while. He’s a good kid, but this is a competitive game and business,” said the veteran bench boss and former NHL star.
For Dudas, the future is more certain. Dudas, who at 18 is entering his third season in the OHL, was drafted into the NHL as the 113th overall selection by the Los Angeles Kings this past summer.
“My teammates and coaches from North Central contacted me right away, they were really happy for me. It was a cool moment,” said the 5'8" Parry Sound native.
Playing for the North Central Predators was a factor in his current success, he said.
“Some guys like to go the Toronto route for minor midget, but I wanted to stay local, and I think as long as you do all the right things, you can get noticed,” said Dudas.
“The coaching staff and the organization were great and it was an experience that really helped me get to where I am today,” Dudas added.
When asked about Heitzner’s situation, Dudas had nothing but positive wisdom to pass along.
“Kyle has to come to the rink ready everyday, and do the little things. People notice the little things that are done right when the times are tough,” said Dudas. “Come to the rink everyday ready to play and ready to learn and good things will come.”
Heitzner said he is happy for Dudas,
“Everyone back home and everyone from North Central is real proud of Aidan,” says Heitzner. “He has been representing North Central well, and I hope he keeps bringing the hard work and heart that he shows in his game.”
