STORY BY TODD CORDELL
Oakville native Adam Craievich isn’t lighting up the league, but he couldn’t ask for a much better start to his OHL career.
Through 17 games, his Guelph Storm is first place in the league and owns an impressive 14-3-0 record.
Though Craievich has two goals, three points and a plus-1 rating on the season, his rookie season has gone about as good as it possibly could have thus far.
He’s only playing a limited role on a powerhouse Storm team, but Craievich thinks that’s helped him transition from Midget to the OHL as a 16-year-old.
“I think that (playing a depth role) does help because I don’t have as much pressure to perform,” Craievich said. “We have unbelievable depth and (plenty of) high skilled players.”
OHL scout Ryan Yessie also thinks Craievich will benefit from not being tested heavily in his first OHL season.
“I think it’s a good thing for him entering the league as a 16 year old,” Yessie said. “Easing him into the lineup as a regular allows him to learn without getting overwhelmed and allows him to build confidence.”
While Craievich knows he won’t be heavily relied upon, he still wants to help the team as much as he can.
“I have high expectations for myself,” Craievich said. “(But) playing on this team allows the pressure to be more personal than what management and the coaches have for me.”
Craievich has had to adjust to some things from Minor Midget to the OHL, but it’s been a pretty smooth transition to this point. He credits his time as an Oakville Ranger as a big reason why.
“My coach there really taught me the defensive side of the game and helped me on and off the ice,” said Craievich. “Playing (for him) in Oakville taught me how to win and what it takes (to play at a high level) day in and out.”
Based off the start to his OHL career, it’s quite evident.