Ryan McGuire is living proof that a player's worth can't always be judged by how many goals they score.
The Guelph Storm winger was one of best players on the ice Sunday and his line – with Jake Karabela and Charlie Paquette – was easily the best line on the ice as the Storm cruised to a 6-2 win over the Kingston Frontenacs before 4,500 at the Sleeman Centre.
McGuire had a pair of assists in the game. Karabela and Paquette both scored.
"I'm not a big point guy, I just like to contribute any way I can and help the team win," McGuire said.
The 18-year-old Burlington native has shown steady improvement this season. While the goals might not yet be coming (he has three so far) his play with the puck is improving and his grit and tenacity are always in play.
"I feel a lot more confident with the puck, kinda' taking things into my own hands sometimes, not just forcing it and shooting it away," McGuire said. "I definitely feel a lot better out there."
McGuire was more proud of the job his line did of checking Kingston's top line in the game.
Storm coach Chad Wiseman has noticed McGuire's steady improvement over the last 15 games or so.
"I would say his off-ice habits have helped. He's one of the hardest workers, if not the hardest worker most practices. He's in the gym every day. He stays on (the ice) for extra work after," Wiseman said. "He's built those pro-like habits into his routine and it's starting to show in his game now."
Wiseman believes we may see some more offence from McGuire as things progress.
"He actually has a high skill level. He was a 40-plus goal scorer his u-16 year. He's got good skill and now he's getting more and more opportunities and playing more minutes.
Wiseman said the Karabela, McGuire, Paquette trio was "absolutely our best line on the ice tonight," complimenting their energy and their commitment to playing well in the defensive zone as much as the two goals they contributed.
"Their decision making was fantastic," Wiseman said.
Guelph led 2-0 after the first period on Sunday and 5-2 after two. They outshot Kingston 30-19, with Brayden Gillespie earning the win in net.
Max Namestnikov had a pair of goals for the Storm, with Michael Buchinger, and Chandler Romeo netting the others. Buchinger also had two helpers.
The red hot Braeden Bowman saw his six-game goal scoring streak come to an end, although he did have a pair of assists.
The Storm hosts the Owen Sound Attack on Friday and the Sudbury Wolves on Sunday.
