Spits ‘burn’ it up

By Kenton Wolfe
The value of a late draft pick cannot be understated.

While the spotlight may have been on Ryan Moore, the Windsor Spitfires first selection in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft, the Spits also picked up defenceman Andrew Burns in the third round. And though the odds are stacked against him, his minor-Midget coach Duncan Harvey believes he can make an immediate impact.

“Andrew will be fine,” said Harvey. “He’s always stepped up for a challenge and has never let me down. He has an amazing work ethic. I don’t just think he can make a step up, but be a threat very soon.”

Burns, taken with the 47 selection, tallied 14 goals and 50 points with the Oakville Rangers this past season. Standing at a modest five feet 11 inches while weighing a lean 167 pounds, there has been concern with his ability to handle bigger forwards at the junior level.

“He still plays a physical game,” said Harvey. “He’s obviously not 6-6 or anything, but he plays tough in front of the net. Andrew can be extremely hard to play against.”

Facing charges from the Ontario Hockey League for allegedly using illegal recruitment practices, the Spitfires went into this year’s draft without their own first or second round selection. Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel had to be savvy in order to make use of the picks he had.

“Yeah, we’re really excited about the picks,” said Rychel. “We’re really excited about the three defenceman, especially Burns, (Liam) Murray, (Ryan) Markovic, exciting hockey player. All real good hockey players.”

One of the Spitfires’ biggest shortcomings last season was turnovers. Harvey believes that Burns can use his hockey sense to help the team.

“Andrew is an extremely smart player,” said Harvey. “He sees the ice well and is good at finding the open guy with the stretch pass. I don’t know how many times this season he sprung guys, sending them in on a breakaway.”

The Spitfires will start their training camp in late April, where Burns will likely attend.