Eagles D Gawanke Riding Surge of Confidence
Published on November 24, 2018 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles defenseman Leon Gawanke could be the hottest player in the QMJHL at the moment.
The Winnipeg Jets 2017 fifth-round pick has registered at least one point in each of his previous 12 games, picking up 20 points in the process. His hot streak doesn't stop there though; take away an October 20th game against Saint John, and his point streak would extend to 16 games.
According to Gawanke, the keys to his success thus far has been simple:
"It's just working hard every night." said the defender from Berlin, Germany. "I play with a lot of confidence as well, so that helps for sure. Biggest part of my success though are my teammates I would say. I mean I couldn't get these points without them scoring."
The Screaming Eagles have gotten off to a lukewarm start this season, however have begun heating up; they've won three straight games and 6 of their last ten, including wins over top teams such as the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Halifax Mooseheads. With a blend of veteran talent such as Gawanke and Mitchell Balmas, and young guns such as Ryan Francis and Brooklyn Kalmikov, the Eagles are set up to be one of the more competitive teams in the league.
"It's been great so far." said Gawanke on the locker room dynamic. "We have really good chemistry and a tight group, and it helps us during the games."
Now in his third season in Cape Breton, Gawanke has been a part of some great memories in the yellow and black. One that stands out however came in his first season.
"It was definitely the game 7 OT win over Gatineau 2 years ago. It's always great to look back at this game; I have some good memories from that series." said Gawanke.
Looking forward, Cape Breton is heading in a new direction. The team recently announced a change in ownership, as multi-millionaire Irwin Simon has purchased a majority stake in the time. Simon is also the co-owner of the St. John's Edge of the National Basketball League of Canada, experience that could lend to success in his newest venture. Gawanke says there's a sense of excitement among those in the dressing room regarding the change in leadership.
"We are obviously very excited." said Gawanke "The boys where pretty hyped when they heard it. I think it's good for the team and also for the fans and the community to have someone like Mr Simon now, and I hope we can build something big with him."
Catch Gawanke in action tonight as the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles do battle with the Charlottetown Islanders at the Eastlink Centre at 7:00pm. Get your tickets at the Eastlink Centre box office, by phone at 902-213-8873, or online at https://boxoffice.eastlinkcentrepei.com.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from November 24, 2018
- Comeback Casey: Islanders Win in OT Thanks to Two Goals from Thomas Casey - Charlottetown Islanders
- Screaming Eagles Come Back to Top Drakkar in Overtime - Cape Breton Eagles
- Eagles D Gawanke Riding Surge of Confidence - Charlottetown Islanders
- Islanders Continue Action-Packed Weekend against Cape Breton - Charlottetown Islanders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
