Headrick excited for sophomore season

The 2015-16 Western Collegiate Hockey Association season was a learning experience for Garden River product Owen Headrick.

One of two area products on the Lakers roster, Headrick joined the program after a pair of seasons with the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Soo Thunderbirds.

Known for his offensive game prior to joining the Lakers, Headrick was pleased with the development of other aspects of his game in his first season with Lake State.

“Probably my defensive side of the game,” Headrick said when asked what part of his game improved the most. “I’ve always been gifted offensively and see the ice very well but I needed to work on my defensive game, defending the net and defending the rush.”

Headrick called decision-making one of the biggest adjustments he had to make after making the jump to the Lakers from the Thunderbirds.

“I didn’t have as much time with the puck and as much time to make decisions,” Headrick said.

The former Thunderbirds defenceman said there was a big difference between the Jr. A game and the NCAA

“It’s a lot faster than you think,” Headrick said. “Guys are always on you. Especially playing against the older guys. They’re strong. They’re grown men. You could really tell when you’re battling in the corner with them.”

Headrick called an early season weekend series at Bowling Green was his favourite rink to play in during his first season.

“It was nuts there,” Headrick said. “The crowd was wild. It was a small building so it was really loud and their band was really nice.”

With his freshman season now in the books, the 18-year-old is already looking forward to his sophomore season.

“There were a lot of ups and downs for sure being an 18-year-old freshman but I loved it,” Headrick said of his first season. “I’m excited for next year and see how the summer plays out.

“I think the team is going to have a big year next year and we’re going to do well,” Headrick added.

In its second season under head coach Damon Whitten, the Lakers improved its conference record to 10-13-5 after going 7-20-1 in 2014-15.

The team stands to return up to 21 players next season.