Windsor Spitfire Player of the Week
By David Clark
In Play! Magazine
A good sign to be sure, Eric Locke from the Telus Cup winning Mississauga Rep's has arrived at the WFCU, a rookie OHL offensive talent with the Windsor Spitfires. He is from Toronto and was born on November 21, 1993. Eric is 16 years of age and does his magic at centre. He has presently been inserted into a line with Zack Kassian and Zack McQueen. He is showing a +1 as of October 21 but is certain to do better because he's an offensive talent in the eyes of the Spitfire faithful. As of late, with 3 goals and 2 assists to boast about, Eric is busy feeding the two "Zack's" but allowing himself the opportunity to keep the puck and shoot when the time is right. Recently, Eric scored the lone goal against Plymouth at their new arena but Windsor lost the game 4-1. Another strong effort, on October 21 Eric scored another goal nearing the end of the first period against Belleville. He will be eligible for the NHL draft in 2012 and was happy to be named the Windsor Spitfire Player of the Week just recently. Eric brings big game experience to the table from his activities at the Telus Cup last season and appears to be moving towards a banner year with the Spitfires. On a line with the two veteran Spitfires, Eric is likely to learn a thing or two about scoring in the OHL.
IN PLAY!: Regarding the Telus Cup, what are you bringing from that experience to your new home with the Spitfires?
ERIC LOCKE: Last year I was lucky to be on a winning team and advance through OHFs to the Telus Cup. The hockey at Telus was very competitive and every game intense. These were the first hockey games I'd play which were full 60 minute games, which helped make the transition easier. There were also several CHL prospects in the tournament many who are playing in the CHL this year, so it was a great eye opener to see a lot of young hockey players like myself. Also just challenging for a national title is a great experience, something which Windsor's won the last two years. I've been able to transfer my pride and honour from Mississauga to Windsor.
IP: How many years have you been involved in organized hockey and where did you play before Mississauga?
EL: I started playing hockey when I was four (like most kids). I played for the local arena in Toronto called George Bell. I played house league, select and then moved from there into the GTHL where I played a year of A and a year of AA for the Weston Hawks. My first year playing for the Hawks was a very successful year as we lost 1 game all year and won the GTHL playoffs and GTA playdowns. After being on a struggling AA team, I joined the Mississauga Reps AAA who were then called the Mississauga Ice Dogs. Last year was my 6th year with the organization, which I was very happy to play for.
IP: You’re flexing your muscles offensively right now, where do you see yourself down the road this season if you keep getting the points?
EL: I really haven't changed my game much; I suffered a slight wrist injury during the pre-season and felt I lost a bit of strength off my shot. My wrist being completely healed now has given me better opportunities to make plays and shoot the puck. I've received a great opportunity to play with Kassian and MacQueen who are both vets in the league and know how to score. If we continue to produce and the coaches are happy we'll probably stay on a line further into the season.
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| Locke celebrates after scoring against Belleville Oct 22, 2010 Photo by Joe Lemire / In Play! Magazine |
EL: It's really an honour to be playing with some of the vets we have on the team. Last year I watched players like Ryan Ellis and Jack Campbell in the World Jrs. and this year I'm on a team with them. The biggest thing I've picked up on is to stay positive and consistent, it's a very long season and we have to learn to deal with adversity and be able to bring our A game as much as possible.
IP: What has Bob Jones been telling you about how to implement his system and play your role on the team?
EL: The coaches have tried a couple systems out so far this year and they tell us, "believe in the systems, they've won us two Memorial Cups". I follow the systems and try and execute them 100% of the time. Playing with very skilled guys like Kassian and MacQueen we are expected to put up some points and help our team offensively. I'm also getting some PK time and I'm really working hard at perfecting our PK system as we've struggled early on with it.
IP: Since Zack Kassian and Ryan Ellis came back from Buffalo and Nashville, how has the team changed with their leadership and experience inserted into the line-up?
EL: Ellis and Kassian are both great leaders and lead by example on the ice and keeping us focused in the dressing room. They know we have a young core of guys and are helping us out in any way possible. They make me feel comfortable and welcome which has made the transition of living/playing in Windsor a lot easier.
IP: Are you planning for a professional hockey career after the OHL?
EL: I still have 3-4 years left in the OHL so I'm not really looking too far ahead right now. Continuing to play hockey after the OHL is an ambition of mine whether it be University hockey in the CIS league or professional hockey like the NHL and AHL. I'm willing to play the game I love for as long as possible and it would be a dream come true if I were to make it professionally.
IP: What areas do you feel you need to improve upon?
EL: After my first month in the OHL, I've got used to the game and made some discoveries since. You really have to hang around the net and be willing to take a cross check or high stick in order to score a goal. I believe I could improve on all facets of my game to make me a better overall player. However, recently I feel I need to work on finishing off chances and getting my shots off quicker and making sure they aren't getting blocked. Before and after practice I'm constantly shooting and always trying to improve.
IP: How difficult was it to go up to Major Junior from Mississauga?
EL: Major Midget hockey gets less credit than it should. By the end of the year the hockey we were playing was compared to Jr. A and B leagues around Ontario. Saying this, the jump wasn't easy. I had a very good off season where I combined physical training and hockey in a good mix. The hockey kept getting better throughout training camp, to exhibition, to regular season, but I thought I kept the pace and although it's been hard at times, this is definitely where I want to be.
IP: When you look out at the (OHL) talent out there, who do you think will go number one in the first round this season?
EL: There are many good players out there, and there is a huge toss-up between who will go number 1 this year. I know there's some pretty good players from Europe and the other leagues in the CHL. Puempel had a pretty good season last year, and Murphy has put up some pretty good numbers this year so far. It really is a huge toss-up and you never know who's improved their game and will step up and have a phenomenal year.
