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Mississauga Steelheads

Draft Stories: Damian Bourne

April 9, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga Steelheads News Release


As we continue to look forward to Saturday's 2015 OHL Priority Selection presented by State Farm, we revisit the Steelheads 2012 first-round selection, Damian Bourne. Bourne was playing for the Mississauga Rebels in his minor midget year, and it was certainly a year of successes for Damian. Bourne bore an "A" on his chest as an alternate captain for his team, posted 79 points in 62 games, and helped his team to an OHL Cup berth.

Bourne added another five assists in the OHL Cup as his team emerged victorious in a tight final game against the Toronto Marlboros. "We were a very strong group, there was a lot of chemistry on our team. All of us loved playing with each other," said Bourne of his Rebels team. "We were definitely the underdogs heading into that final game. We battled through a lot of adversity, especially since it went into overtime it really showed how [we] played in high-pressure situations because we came out with the win. It definitely helped my draft stock."

Each year, the management groups of OHL teams keep a close eye on the OHL Cup as the province's best and brightest showcase their talents and hope that someone takes notice. For Mississauga, there was no question that Bourne had made a strong case for himself. At face value, Bourne projects a hard-working on-ice personality, exuded consistency throughout his championship year with the Rebels, and possesses something you simply cannot teach; size.

Well take notice, Mississauga did, and made Damian their first round selection with the 11th overall pick in the draft. "I didn't know what was going to happen. I didn't know where I was going to go. My agent really calmed me down before the draft and told me it was going to be okay." Just as every draft eligible prospect does, Bourne waited to hear his name to be called. "It was hard waiting around and waiting for the names before me to be called. But when mine was called it was surreal."

Growing up in Oakville, Ontario, Bourne is offered the luxury of living at home during the season and cites his excitement to be playing with the Steelheads, "I couldn't have been taken by a better team and a better fit for me, given they're playing style and how I play."

The Steelheads knew they were getting a big body and a player with a hard work ethic in drafting Bourne, but what they couldn't predict was how Damian saw the game and how he would evolve in years to come. Now in his third season with Mississauga, Bourne is a power forward that plays a big game and shows great versatility. He can be used and trusted in all situations, on the power play, killing penalties and isn't afraid to drop the gloves and take a stand for his teammates.

Damian has been recognized for his consistent presence on and off the ice and for his strength of character. He once again dons an "A" on his chest in recognition of these assets. He reflects on his first round selection with the wisdom of a veteran OHLer, "Well definitely, you feel a sense of accomplishment, but there is also a ton of work to be done. It's just the beginning of your career, really. The OHL is the first time you really feel like hockey is a job, so you really have to look after yourself and help build your career." The Steelheads are happy to have been a part of Bourne's progression since his draft day and the feeling is mutual, "it was an awesome day and I've always been happy ever since."

The 2015 OHL Priority Selection is presented by State Farm on Saturday, April 11th and the Steelheads hold the fourth overall selection. Damian and the rest of the Trout will surely tune in to see which young talents will be joining the organization, and you can too, by following along on Twitter using #OHLDraft or with the 2015 OHL Priority Selection show at www.ontariohockeyleague.com!

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2015


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