Tavares makes a good first impression
By Aaron Bell
Despite his humble nature, John Tavares is already proving to the entire hockey world that he is a special young man.
Tavares, who turns 15 in September, made headlines earlier this week when the OHL – through the work of an independent evaluation panel – allowed the 1990-born Tavares to join the crop of 1989-born players that will be drafted in the OHL Priority Selection on Saturday.
The Oshawa Generals introduced the Oakville native as their first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection during a media conference at the Oshawa Civic Centre on Thursday. They will make the pick official on Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
“It’s been a long week for me,” admitted Tavares, who is genuinely surprised at the attention that he has drawn this week. “It’s finally coming to an end and it will be nice to hear my named called first overall.”
Tavares scored 91 goals and 158 points in 72 games last season with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midgets. He helped the Marlies win the OHL Showcase Tournament in March. Tavares played 20 games in Tier II with the Milton Merchants, scoring 13 goals and 28 points.
Tavares, who is not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2009, will join the Generals for his first season in the OHL next September.
“I’m very excited,” said Tavares. “It’s only an hour away from where I live. My parents can come to all of my games. I’ll be able to play one year at least where Bobby Orr got to play which I think is unbelievable. And then we get to move on to a new building where we hopefully can have some good success.”
Despite his individual success, Tavares was most proud of winning the OHL Cup in March. Shortly after meeting Generals’ GM Brad Selwood, Tavares turned his attention to helping his new club make the playoffs in 2005-06.
“I’m hoping we can do well this season and hopefully make a playoff push,” Tavares said. “That’s what my real goal is – to help this team make the playoffs and go far in the playoffs.”
Photo: Dan Hamilton/VPS
