Spitfires’ rookie Brown finds early offensive success
by Evan Mathias
Despite the Windsor Spitfires losing three of their first five games at home to start this season, they do have positives to build from.
After missing the home opener against the Erie Otters Sept. 26 with an ankle injury, rookie centre Logan Brown has a pair of goals and assists in five games, good for third on the team in points.
Originally the Niagara Ice Dogs’ sixth overall pick at this year’s Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Windsor acquired the 16-year-old in August in exchange for six draft picks.
Brown notched his first OHL marker on a late, first period power play in a losing effort against the Guelph Storm Sept. 28.
“I was lucky enough to get the puck and be able to score. It felt great to get the first one,” said Brown.
His second came the very next game against the Barrie Colts, the six-foot-six, 215-pound Chesterfield, Mo. native one-timed a pass in the slot from overage winger Chris Marchese.
“It’s felt good to get a few goals and give my team a chance to win,” said Brown. “Definitely, coming in I wanted to make an impact immediately and I’ve started off pretty well.”
It is never an easy process for 16-year-olds to make the jump into the OHL. Players have to go through the transition period that comes when playing in a new, faster paced league. Windsor’s coaches know the rangy centre has more developing to do but are impressed with his early season success.
“If there’s one thing he (Brown) has to work on it would be skating,” said Spitfires assistant coach Bob Jones. “His legs aren’t completely underneath him yet but his hockey IQ is off the charts and he’s ultra competitive.”
Despite having early success, Brown knows his game can still improve as he adjusts to the new league. In 19 games for the Indiana Ice Midget U16s last season, Brown tallied 19 goals and 12 assists.
“Just getting used to pace of play, playing U16 last year and jumping to the OHL, it’s a pretty big jump… so just getting more comfortable in the league,” said Brown.
Brown, along with linemates Marchese and Markus Soberg will need to continue to produce
Windsor Spitfires’ rookie centre Logan Brown makes a pass during second period action against the Peterborough Petes at the WFCU Centre Oct. 9. Windsor defeated the Petes 5-4 in overtime. Brown had a pair of assists in the win. (Photo by/Justin Prince)
as the season gets into full swing.
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