
While the Ottawa Senators took it on the chin, losing a 4-0 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a preseason tilt, Wednesday, was a day Zack Ostapchuk will never forget.
The Senators 2021 39th overall selection signed his entry-level contract with the club prior to suiting up in his first game that same evening.
-
Ep 34: NHL Coaching Retreads; Stanley Cup Final Talkby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the never-ending NHL coaching retreads and […]
Despite the loss, the 18-year old felt great about the entire experience.
“Obviously, it’s a really cool experience for me – really eye-opening – get to see what the pace is like. I know it’s not a regular season game, but I mean there were a couple of vets in the lineup for them and us,” said Ostapchuk postgame.
If the youngster was nervous, he certainly didn’t show it. “No, I think it made me more excited, honestly. I think, just kind of being an official part of the team in a way. I think that was really cool for me.”
Mainly skating line with left-wing Parker Kelly and Kole Sherwood on his right, the centre earned 10:56 of ice time, and was credited with one hit, one shot attempt, was 0-for-4 on draws, while picking up two minor penalties.
Ostapchuk was happy with his performance but realizes he has a ways to go to make it at the professional level.
“I think it’s a mixture of the speed and strength in just the way they move the puck. Everything happens so quick. When you move on the d-men, everyone is so smart with their stick. They’re so strong. I’ve got to adjust to that,” the centre added.
Ranked by most scouting agencies to be drafted in the late second to third round, Ostapchuk turned heads during development and rookie camp, and hasn’t slowed down at main camp.
Around FPC
NHL: Don’t Panic Too Soon, Leafs Fans – This Is Still A Very Good Team
NHL: Mackenzie Blackwood Puts Team In Devilish Situation
KHL: Jakub Kovar And Avto Part Ways
NFL: Buccaneers Sign Cornerback Richard Sherman
Wrestling: WWE Draft: 3 Best & 3 Worst Picks From The 2020 WWE Draft
Senators head coach D.J. Smith told Full Press Hockey Saturday morning, Ostapchuk had been one of the camp’s early surprise players along with forwards Ridly Greig and Roby Jarventie.
“Another guy that’s been surprising at camp, is probably Ostapchuk. From this year’s Draft, it’s a heck of a pick it looks like. It’s early, but from watching him out there, his pace, his work ethic, his size, his ability to cut to the middle of the ice and make plays – it looks like we got ourselves a good player,” noted Smith.
General manager Pierre Dorion was equally proud of the six-foot-three, 205-pound Ostaphuk.
In a team release Wednesday, the Senators GM commented, “Zack has had an exceptional camp and we are excited about watching his development this season. He possesses the necessary tools in terms of size, skill and skating ability that we feel are key attributes in today’s NHL. Zack’s strong hockey sense and work ethic will serve him well as he trends towards becoming a full-time pro. Credit to Trent Mann and his amateur scouting staff who identified a prospect we feel is well on his way to helping the future of the organization.”
News Release: The #Sens have signed forward Zack Ostapchuk to a three-year entry-level contract: https://t.co/pDwGv4SpoT pic.twitter.com/yhKx1AepsS
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) September 29, 2021
Fresh off a shortened season in which he recorded 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 22 games, Ostapchuk was named the Western League’s Vancouver Giants Most Improved Player in 2021.
Ostapchuk explained to Full Press Hockey how he earned this recognition.
“It was a Covid year. I had a lot of time to spend in gyms. So I think I got a lot stronger. And I got a lot more confident in my game. I filled in my size a little bit. I got that extra step. Basically, I turned into a little of bit of a man there.”
One thing is for certain, Ostpachuk isn’t lacking confidence and has his eye on cracking the Senators’ roster down the road.
“I think I’ve played really well. I’m really happy with my training camp so far. I think I came out here with a goal to go as far as I could, and I’m really proud of myself. I think I’ve worked hard and played well.”
Loading...
-
Ep 34: NHL Coaching Retreads; Stanley Cup Final Talkby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the never-ending NHL coaching retreads and […]
-
Ep 33: Stanley Cup Final Previewby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 1:11 am
Mike, Jim, and Chris preview the Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay […]
-
Ep 32: Bruins Fire Bruce Cassidy; Avalanche To Stanley Cup; Bolts/Rangersby Full Press Coverage on June 8, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Mike, Jim, and Chris react to the Bruins firing of Bruce Cassidy, the […]
-
Ep 31: Conference Finals Previewby Full Press Coverage on June 1, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Mike and Jim are back to preview the Conference Finals in the NHL. Out […]
-
Colorado Avalanche 2022 Stanley Cup Championsby Full Press Coverage on June 28, 2022 at 2:09 am
Jim is back once again joined by C.C. Hawkley of Full Press Hockey to […]
-
New Jersey Devils and Stanley Cup Final Talkby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Jim is back once again joined by Bruce Zeman to discuss the New Jersey […]
-
Ep 73: Bruins Face Elimination; Bruce Cassidy On Hot Seat; Patrice Bergeron Final Standby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Ian and Chris discuss game six between the Bruins and Hurricanes and the […]
-
Ep 72: Bruins Acquire Hampus Lindholm; More Moves To Come?by Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Ian and Chris discuss the trade of Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins and what […]
-
S3E33 - Stanley Cup Final - Avalanche vs Lightningby Jim Biringer on June 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Jim is joined by Marc Weiss and Coach Jay as they discuss the Stanley Cup […]
-
S3Ep32 - Eastern Conference Final and Colorado Avalanche Advanceby Jim Biringer on June 11, 2022 at 9:37 pm
Jim is joined by Coach Jay and Marc Weiss to discuss the Eastern […]
-
Episode #386 - The 2022 Stanley Cup Championsby Full Press Coverage on June 28, 2022 at 1:49 am
Join us as Carl celebrates his Colorado Avalanche winning the 2022 Stanley […]
-
Episode #385 - The Stanley Cup Final - LIVE!by Full Press Coverage on June 21, 2022 at 2:05 am
With 2 games of the Stanley Cup Final in the bag, we record during the […]
-
Episode #384 - The 2022 Stanley Cup Final Previewby Full Press Coverage on June 14, 2022 at 2:05 am
The Stanley Cup Final is here! Let's find out if Carl is emotionally […]
-
Episode #106: If You Can't Beat Them, Become Themby Full Press Coverage on June 18, 2022 at 5:55 am
23 playoff teams are now down to just two. It's the 2022 Calder Cup Finals […]
-
Episode #105: Goalie Rotation Sensationby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:06 am
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. is left to host the show […]
-
Episode #106: If You Can't Beat Them, Become Themby Full Press Coverage on June 18, 2022 at 5:55 am
23 playoff teams are now down to just two. It's the 2022 Calder Cup Finals […]
-
Episode #105: Goalie Rotation Sensationby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:06 am
On this episode of The Calder Farmstead, C.C. is left to host the show […]
-
Ep 60: #KrejciForever and Raised Expectationsby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 9:23 pm
Ian and Chris talk about the Bruins post trade deadline turnaround and […]
-
Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadlineby Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm
Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]