Rychel impresses OHL brass

by Kenton Wolfe

A member of the Windsor Spitfires has been turning heads with his on-ice play.

Spits forward Kerby Rychel has earned himself an invitation to join the Team Ontario Hockey League Subway Super Series roster. The team is assembled annually to play an exhibition game against the Russian National Junior team as a showcase for fans and scouts alike.

“It’s a big honour,” said Rychel. “A lot of good players they’ve selected. I’m happy and I can’t wait to get there and get it going.”

The selection comes amidst a strong series of games for Rychel, who has seven goals in his last seven games. Rychel’s current production would put him on pace to match the 41 goals he posted last season.

“I think the biggest thing is that I’m starting to click with Josh Ho-Sang,” said Rychel. “The pucks are just starting go in which is nice. He’s such an offensive threat, always making a high-end pass. He’s a high-end player.”

Ho-Sang, who has played center on Rychel’s line for the past seven games, has also seen his production rise with five points in his past seven games. Rychel’s passing may have been the catalyst for that.

“I like playing with Kerby,” said Ho-Sang. “What I think he doesn’t get credit for is his passing. Everyone knows he’s a great shooter, but he passes it real well. He makes two, three good scoring plays a game.”

Rychel joins a list of players which includes several members of the 2012 gold-medal-winning Canadian World Junior team, including Ryan Strome and Dougie Hamilton of the Niagara Ice Dogs, Mark Scheifele of the Barrie Colts and Boone Jenner of the Oshawa Generals. Also joining Rychel are members of the annual Canada-Russia Challenge, Malcolm Subban of the Bellville Bulls and Cody Ceci of the Ottawa 67’s.

The roster of 34 players was selected by London Knights general manager Mark Hunter and Brampton Battalion coach Stan Butler.

The accomplishment of being selected is one that his teammates appreciate. Occasional member of the Ho-Sang-Rychel line Derek Schoenmakers said he can see the improvements in Rychel’s game.

“It’s huge for him,” said Schoenmakers. “As soon as I saw him I gave him a big hug. It speaks volumes to what a huge (impact) player he is. Anyone who watches him can see that he works hard and loves the game of hockey.”

Rychel and the OHL Subway Super Series team will enter the game with history in their favour – the team has a perfect 18 wins in 18 games in nine years of the event.

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