Orzeck Enjoys Expanded Role
March 22, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
Winnipeg ICE defenceman Nolan Orzeck
(Winnipeg Ice)
The expression "it's a dream come true" may be over-used, but it's not a stretch when you look at the case of Winnipeg ICE defenceman Nolan Orzeck.
That's because the Calgary-product has worked his way up the lineup from a 16-year-old just getting a taste of Western Hockey League life, to a top-pairing stalwart a few seasons later.
"It's fun," said the recently turned 20-year-old after Monday's practice in Regina. "Ever since when I first came into the league, I always wanted to be an effective d-man in it. And, I think this year I kind of took that step to be the guy and play the top minutes - and go up against the other team's top players - and I'm having fun with it."
MAKING THE MOST OF IT
It's the kind of fun that comes with growing your game and contributing to team success. Last night against Prince Albert that experience shone through as Orzeck picked off a pass in overtime, led the rush, and fed Connor McClennon for the winner in a hard-fought 3-2 game.
"I love it, just to play hockey again, take advantage of it," said the veteran of nearly 130 WHL games. "Second-last year here so, just going out there and having fun. You know, I want to play good too and that's what I've felt I've been doing."
Nolan was paired with projected first-rounder Carson Lambos to start the season, but a medical matter sidelined the talented blueliner and paved the way for Ben Zloty to slot in next to Orzeck and the two haven't skipped a beat.
"Carson leaving, Ben kind of stepped in there, and Ben's been playing really good too," said Nolan quick to credit his new partner who has four points in five games.
MINDSET MATTERS
Winnipeg's four-game win streak early in the new season has Orzeck and his teammates feeling positive, but the defender knows there's a lot that goes into earning that success.
"I think just the never quit mentality, just trying to play a full 60 minutes. Games have been close here so neither team is out of the fight, and it's just who wants it more coming down to the end."
Nolan points to a tight-knit team away from the arena as part of the reason the ICE are so together under fire, and he acknowledges there's no substitute for good preparation.
Preparation that sees Winnipeg holding opponents to 23 shots on goal/game during the streak, with only five goals-against in the last three outings.
"In practice we always do a d-zone drill, just working on it every day, just making sure that when it comes game time we're prepared and ready and know what to do in the d-zone" said Nolan of the team's routine. "I think just playing in the offensive zone too, they're pretty skilled teams so the more time we spend in the offensive zone the less they're in ours so that's been probably the main part too."
FACING HOSTS AND BEDARD
Next up for the ICE is a date with the Regina Pats and rookie sensation Connor Bedard Tuesday night.
So what's the feeling about taking on this next challenge, one they haven't faced before?
"We've been hearing things, we've been watching the other games and we just want to play our game, not focus on one player," said Orzeck matter-of-factly. "You know, they've got a good hockey team over there so we're not just going to focus on one guy."
A responsible take, from a responsible presence on the ICE blueline, but at 4-1-0-0 to start there must be a little satisfaction looking at the standings - right?
"We're looking, but it's still early so we're just going to keep playing our game, going into every game knowing we have a chance to win it. Again, we're having fun in here, so we'll keep it rolling."
Spoken like a veteran player who's worked his way into a role he cherishes, on a team he loves, you could say the whole thing is like a "dream come true."
The ICE take on the Regina Pats tomorrow night with the pre game show starting at 8:30PM and puck drop at 9:00PM on CFRW 1290 AM. Catch the game live as well on watch.chl.ca.
Images from this story
 Winnipeg ICE defenceman Nolan Orzeck |
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