Griffin McGregor’s ability to get under the skin of opposing players makes him seem like a long-time veteran, yet the Ottawa Junior Senators forward is in just his second Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) season.
Last year, the youngster quickly endeared himself to fans at the Jim Durrell Complex with his hard-nosed style, willingness to go into the corners and ability to stand up to bigger opponents. If anything, McGregor is doing even more of that in his second season. He’s also handy in front of the net as evidenced by his 10 goals, including a game-winner against the Rockland Nationals. McGregor has posted 12 assists as well.
“My first year I was happy to be on the team,” McGregor said. “This time I knew the system and I knew what was expected. Fortunately, the coaches have given me a bigger role. They depend on me to go out to be an agitator or spark plug to create energy.
He spent much of the off-season working to improve both his speed and his shot.
“I feel like I got faster,” said McGregor, who recently scored in three straight matches. “I’m still looking to shoot a little bit more, but my hands are getting better in tight.”
Junior Senators Head Coach/GM Martin Dagenais has rewarded the 5-9, 179-pounder with more ice time, including recurring shifts on the power play.
“At only 17, Griffin plays important minutes for our hockey club,” Dagenais said. “He’s a depth forward, but he’s been a big part of our power play since the beginning of the year. He goes to the net hard, and always plays the right way.”
McGregor said he learned a lot from playing with veterans like Luke McCaw, Jaren Burke and Ian Andriano as the Junior Senators won the CCHL’s Yzerman Division for the fifth straight season and went all the way to Bogart Cup final for a second successive year.
“It’s very important to be a responsible player,” he said. “They always seemed to be able to pick up their game when we needed it and they were always motivated. They also taught me that no matter what happens you just have to go out and do your job. That’s what I try to do every game. This year I’ve tried to take on more responsibility and I don’t really mind doing the gritty work.”
Currently a 12th grader at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School in Riverside South, McGregor’s goal is to one day move on to the OHL or the QMJHL, or play in the CIS. McGregor credits his uncle Shawn with teaching him the intricacies of the game.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this team,” McGregor said. “We have a fast and skilled group and all four lines can put the puck in the net.”
