Happy at Home
November 8, 2023 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
From the first moment he hit the ice in the QMJHL a scant few weeks ago, Owen Conrad has done pretty much everything you'd expect from a seasoned veteran, let alone a 16-year-old rookie.
How the product of Stellarton, Nova Scotia explains his approach to this level of the sport is a simplistic as his game is savvy.
"I'm just playing my game," Conrad says. "I'm not going to change who I am as a player just because I'm on a new team. I'm still going to play with confidence. Bringing a high level of compete and energy has helped me improve. It's a mindset."
Conrad's play through his first nine regular season games has been a direct reflection of that confidence. A point per game average, two game-winners among his four goals scored and impactful play in all situations, in all zones. It's not the first time Charlottetown Islanders Head Coach Jim Hulton has had a player of this age and calibre land on one of his clubs, but it's unexpected enough to raise the veteran bench boss' eyebrows.
"He doesn't seem flustered in any situation," Hulton says with a degree of wonder. "I'm sure as a 16-year-old coming into the league he was nervous, but he didn't show it. His poise on the ice belies his years."
There was applause from several people within the hockey world when the Isles landed Conrad with the 20th overall selection at the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft. Joining a Charlottetown club still rebuilding following a trip to the league final in 2022, the defenseman would be at liberty to earn as much ice time as he could handle. His coach has taken him to task in that regard, with outstanding results.
"He's pushing up towards 24-25 minutes a night which is a little bit much. But at the same time, he's handling it," Hulton explains. "When he's making mistakes, he's learning from them but he doesn't seem phased by it or to be losing his confidence. That's something you're always concerned with when it comes to younger players, but that's not the case with Owen."
From Conrad's perspective, he is, not surprisingly, happy to be out there as much as his coaches will send him over the boards. But having the luxury of not needing to worry during every second of play is something he appreciates.
"It means a lot to have that sort of support," he notes. "You try your best and sometimes you're going to mess up but it's good to have someone behind you that you can trust and you know trusts you. That's why it's great having Jim [as a coach]. He treats us so well."
This whirlwind debut has led to another big step in Conrad's young career; a spot on Team Canada Red at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, taking place in his home rink, Charlottetown's Eastlink Center. Joining him on Team Red from the QMJHL are fellow blueliner Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand) and forwards Shawn Carrier (Moncton), Nathan Lecompte (Chicoutimi) and Liam Kilfoil (Halifax).
Going from local talent to the national stage, without leaving his junior hockey city, is a prospect Conrad relishes.
"I can't wait to get out there," he says. "The fans will be cheering Canada for sure... maybe a bit louder for me. It means a lot. It brings an extra degree of excitement for me!"
One of the teams Conrad and his teammates will battle for tournament supremacy is Team Canada White, which boasts such 'Q' talent as Mateo Nobert (Blainville-Boisbriand), Cole Chandler (Shawinigan), Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton), Emile Guite (Chicoutimi) and Alex Huang (Chicoutimi).
Is there any advice to be imparted upon Conrad from his well-seasoned Head Coach, who has sent his fair share of players - not to mention himself - into international competition?
"First, be yourself. Don't try to change anything," Hulton says when asked the advice he dispenses in such situations. "The reason you're there is because the people evaluating you liked what they saw. There's no reason to change things now that you're on the big stage. Most importantly, enjoy the experience. It's an incredible opportunity to represent your country. Soak it up and have fun with it."
Telling Owen Conrad not to change his game is a concept he seems to have already grasped. Now, it's time for the rest of the country to benefit from that wisdom.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2023
- Moncton Wildcats to Retire Their First Jersey - Moncton Wildcats
- Happy at Home - Charlottetown Islanders
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