Comets Corner: Kellan Lain
December 31, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
As the year 2013 comes to a close, Utica Comet Kellan Lain looks to continue his recent success into the New Year. The rookie center has nine points throughout 29 games in his first full season pro (5-4-9), with three of those goals coming in his last five games. Those three goals also started off the scoring for the Comets, as Lain got them on the board first three times in a row. "It's always important to get off to a strong start and getting the first goal is huge for momentum," Lain stated. "The first goal is always crucial."
A native of Oakville, Ontario, Lain played 13 games with the Chicago Wolves last season and racked up six penalty minutes. He has also served as an enforcer for the Comets this season, totaling 73 PIMs in 29 games played. When asked how his transition went from college level hockey to the pro level, Lain explained, "It's a huge jump. The [pro] game is played at a very high speed and you have less time to make decisions on the ice. Players are older and more experienced and know the game, so every day, you need to come to the rink and focus on getting better." Lain's biggest focus since turning pro has been on his consistency. He explained how challenging it is to constantly put points on the board, and that becoming stronger both mentally and physically will help him reach a higher level of play.
Lain also credited some of his recent success to his linemates, Brandon DeFazio and fellow rookie Alex Mallet. "DeFazio and Lain have been playing great, and we really feed off of each other," Lain said. "We try to bring a lot of energy to the team and wear down our opponents by playing fast and physical." DeFazio has totaled nine points throughout this season (2-7-9) and Mallet has two (1-1-2).
It is apparent that things are looking up for the Comets, who are looking more cohesive each and every game. Lain credits this towards the team becoming more familiar with one another, stating, "It took some time for us to come together as a team, as many of us had never played together before. We know how our team needs to play to succeed and we just need to focus on the specifics going forward."
One of three siblings, Lain credits his whole family with helping him reach his goal of playing pro. "I owe everything I have and where I am at to my parents and family," he said. "My parents provided me with every opportunity possible to succeed and have been there to support me every step of the way. I am very close with my brother and sister...they are very encouraging and were great role models for me growing up."
With 2014 already upon us, things are looking bright for Lain, who is only just beginning his professional hockey career.
American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2013
- All Sved and Done - Manchester Monarchs
- Unforgettable 2013 Ends with 3-1 Loss to Toronto - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Barons Score Two Shorthanded Goals, But Fall to Stars 6-5 - Oklahoma City Barons
- Mueller's Hat Trick Leads Texas to Epic 6-5 Comeback Victory over Oklahoma City - Texas Stars
- P-Bruins Dethrone Monarchs 3-1 - Providence Bruins
- Toronto Drops Grand Rapids 3-1 at Van Andel Arena - Toronto Marlies
- Glendening to Detroit, Jurco to Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Griffins
- B-Sens Hold on 3-2 for Fifth Straight Win - Binghamton Senators
- Admirals Close 2013 with 3-2 Loss at Binghamton - Norfolk Admirals
- Newbury Late Game-Winner Closes out 2013 - Adirondack Phantoms
- Pirates Ring in New Year with 4-2 Victory over Sound Tigers - Portland Pirates
- Pirates Double up Sound Tigers 4-2 - Bridgeport Islanders
- Sharks Fall Late in Hard Fought Game at Phantoms - Worcester Sharks
- Penguins Finish 2013 with Win over Crunch - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Tampa Bay Reassigns Riku Helenius to Florida of ECHL - Syracuse Crunch
- Crunch Suffer 5-2 Loss to Close out 2013 - Syracuse Crunch
- Monarchs Weekly Report - Manchester Monarchs
- Falcons Top IceCaps in New Year's Eve Matinee - Springfield Falcons
- Jeremy Welsh Added to Comets - Utica Comets
- Comets Corner: Kellan Lain - Utica Comets
- IceCaps Fall to Falcons on New Year's Eve - St. John's IceCaps
- Stars Weekly - Texas Sets New Record with Seven-Game Home Winning Streak - Texas Stars
- Wolf Pack to Hold Winter Clothes Drive this Friday - Hartford Wolf Pack
- Crunch Weekly - Syracuse Crunch
- Sean Escobedo Reassigned to Stockton - Bridgeport Islanders
- Lightning Reassign Pierre-Cedric Labrie to Syracuse - Syracuse Crunch
- Ottawa Recalls Stone on Emergency Basis - Binghamton Senators
- Pirates End 2013 with Visit from Sound Tigers - Portland Pirates
- Phantoms Weekly - New Year's Hockey - Adirondack Phantoms
- Back and Forth Game Goes Charlotte's Way - Rockford IceHogs
- Checkers Finish Trip with Win in Rockford - Charlotte Checkers
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