When Ethan Manderville joined the Ottawa Junior Senators in November he not only had to adjust to a new team, but his role changed as well.
“I went from being a more prominent player on a young team to a bit more of a role player on a much deeper team,” he said. “Still its been a really good experience for me and it’s a great atmosphere.”
The 6-4, 200-pound center played in 36 regular season games and he quickly became a key player for the Junior Senators scoring four goals, including a game-winner against Smiths Falls, and adding 10 assists. More important, Manderville has learned a lot in a short time.
“Most of the guys on this team are just ridiculously talented,” he said. “Just watching them has helped my game; the way Chiwetin Blacksmith uses his body to protect the puck; Owen Guy’s ability in the corners. Isaac Anderson and Elie Boulerice are both great in the face-off circle and they’re such strong defensive players. I’m taking it all in and working to get better.”
That’s certainly music to the ears of Division I scouts who have been watching and Manderville’s primary goal is to play college hockey. He’s also drawn the attention of the NHL and is ranked by the league’s Central Scouting ahead of June’s Entry Draft.
Manderville, who turns 18 in July, made his Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) debut a year ago with the Kanata Lasers, putting up 10 goals to go with 15 assists in 55 matches. This season he notched 5 goals and 11 assists in 23 games before coming to Ottawa in a three-way trade for Aaron Brisebois. Junior Senators GM/Coach Martin Dagenais sent forward David Pearce and a PDF to Rockland to obtain Brisebois.
“Ethan is fast becoming a force in the league and he’s getting better and better,” Dagenais said. “He understands the game and he knows what we expect from him.”
Manderville’s dad, Kent, played for five different teams during a 12-year NHL career. Clearly the younger Manderville learned from his father, but he realizes that hard work is the key to success.
“The coaches here expect a lot—and it shows in the team’s success,” Ethan Manderville said. “Everyone has to be strong on both sides of the ice. We play four lines and everyone knows that. That’s how you win games.”
In addition to his hockey responsibilities and off-ice training, on weekdays the Ottawa resident also puts in a full day at school. Fortunately, Manderville lives at home, which makes things a bit easier. Nevertheless, the young player believes things may actually be a little easier next year when he will begin taking some college classes while pursuing a Division I opportunity.
“It’s a long day,” he said. “It will be a lot different in university, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Manderville knows that to reach that goal he will have to continue improving his game. Helping the Junior Senators win a CCHL crown is also something that will draw attention.
“I want to get faster and quicker,” he said. “Being a bigger guy, I know that the quicker you are the better. Sometimes, I’ve stayed on the perimeter, I’m also looking to take the puck to the net more often and make things happen.”
That can’t be good news for opposing defensemen.
