By David Clark
In Play! Magazine
Troy Passingham is opening a few eyes this season, starting with 3 wins at this juncture. Troy came to us from the St. John’s Seadogs early in 2009, leaving behind a less than industrious record with this QMJHL outfit. He permanently relieved Josh Unice and in time he managed to shine with the Spitfires with 35 wins and 10 losses in the 2009/2010 campaign. Troy was very steady throughout last season, getting near to Andrew Engelage’s OHL record for wins @ 46-4 in 2008/2009.
Passingham is a proven starter in the regular season along with Jack Campbell who has the big game and major tournament experience to offer. Troy isn’t playoff tested as of yet but he’s working on it.
At the start of this season, Passingham was amidst uncertainty, being inundated with trade rumours. An indicator of things to come, this overager has a possible future in professional hockey given his success with the Windsor Spitfires.
To be exact, on October 3rd, Passingham made 24 saves on 27 shots having surrendered only one to Sudbury’s hard-working leader in John McFarland. It was a 6-3 final in favour of the Spitfires.
In a supportive role, Passingham came in for Jack Campbell and stopped 13 of 13 in a nail-biter at the WFCU on October 9th. London got the win in a thrilling shootout that edged out the Spitfires 5-4.
The Sarnia Sting were in town on October 11 having previously secured second place in the division. Passingham was belted 33 times and only gave up three. The verdict was 5-3 for Windsor who bumped the Sting out of second and replaced them when everything was said and done.
In his last start on October 14th, the Erie Otters meant business by scoring two quick goals early in the 1st. Passingham was steady throughout the effort aside from that 1st period. This time, he was peppered by a strong offensive team in the Otters, stopping 36 of 33. Windsor defeated them 5-3.
Something must be said for Troy Passingham who is having an admirable season so far. Jack Campbell is struggling a bit but his skill will eventually prevail. He may need some more time to settle in. In 2004/2005, the history-making London Knights went with multiple goaltenders including Gerald Coleman, Ryan Macdonald and Adam Dennis. Their season amounted to 59-7-2, the best regular season record in OHL history. Why not Windsor? Passingham has earned more playing time and Campbell is a budding superstar in this league, both are deserving of ice time. Of the three games he played in, Passingham defeated two very good hockey teams and did a great job of backstopping against the London Knights in relief. Why not rotate the two a little more and see what happens?
Just a thought!
