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Impressive debut for Guelph Storm rookie (5 photos)

Luka Profaca, an eighth round pick this year, shines in win over Kitchener

KITCHENER - Luka Profaca sure didn't play like it was his first OHL hockey game.

The 16-year-old Mississauga native made his debut for the Guelph Storm Tuesday night in Kitchener, playing a tonne, picking up an assist and finishing the night as a plus-2 as the Storm downed the Kitchener Rangers 6-2 at The Aud.

Filling in for Daniil Chayka and Zach Terry, who are away playing in the World Under-17 Tournament, the only thing that said "rookie" about Profaca's game was the mandatory full cage he wore on his helmet.

"I was a bit tired, just getting used to the pace and everything, but it was good. I felt good out there," said the six-foot-one, 165-pound defenceman.

He sure wasn't going to tell coach George Burnett he was tired when he got the tap on the shoulder for a shift on the power play near the end of the game.

"I wasn't expecting that," he said.

"I just tried my best out there. I just don't want to let the opportunity go to waste," Profaca said.

He played poised and he played confident, and that wasn't an accident.

"I try to just play my game. I don't want to try and play a different game, because then I'd just start getting worried about what's going on. You don't want to overthink it, just try my best."

He also said the other players helped him relax and enjoy the moment.

"I love being around these guys. They always encourage me, they're always bringing me up and that's what's really helping me, the confidence they're giving me," Profaca said.

The Storm nabbed Profaca in the eighth round of this year's draft and after he impressed them with a strong training camp, he signed just before the season started.

He has been playing with the junior B Brampton Bombers, where he has a goal and six assists in 14 games.

Storm coach George Burnett said Profaca will play at least the next four games with the team and likely a few more later in the season.

"He's a real neat kid. Really game, just loves to play and just thrilled to be here. To see him play with such poise tonight is terrific," Burnett said.

"I think for a young man in the eighth round .... those are the types of drafts that become special.

"The confidence he'll gain from tonight is terrific."

For the third straight game the Storm jumped out to a three-goal lead early in Tuesday's game, leading 4-1 after 20 minutes.

Difference this time was that they didn't blow that lead, playing a much more controlled puck possession game and keeping the puck low in the Rangers zone.

It wasn't a perfect performance, but backed by a strong 37-save performance by Anthony Popovich, it was a much better all-round game than the two last weekend.

"Fewer critical mistakes. Still a few we got away with and we gave up too many shots .... but it's good for us to come into this building and find a way to win," Burnett said.

The Storm had three power play goals, a shorthanded goal and two at even strength.

Keegan Stevenson and Isaac Ratcliffe each had a pair of goals, singles went to Cam Hillis and Liam Hawel.

Ryan Merkley, Cedric Ralph and Nate Schnarr all had two assists.

Guelph plays in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday night and in Saginaw on Saturday.


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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