OHL North Bay Battalion

Oulahen 'clicking' for Battalion

Published on November 4, 2004 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
North Bay Battalion News Release


BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Battalion takes a three-game Ontario Hockey League winning streak on the road Friday night when it visits the Kingston Frontenacs. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The Troops' run coincides with the three-game winning-goals streak of centre Ryan Oulahen. The Battalion captain leads the club with 10 goals and is second with 18 points.

"So far everything seems to be clicking for me," Oulahen said Thursday. "I was getting a lot of chances early in the season and I knew if I kept working hard they'd start going in."

The Detroit Red Wings prospect has earned a point in nine of the last 10 games.

"When the puck starts going in, it gives you confidence," said the 19-year-old Newmarket, Ont., resident. "I'm going to the net more now, and I want to get to every puck I can."

Oulahen, who has centred a line with left winger Dan McDonald and right winger Luch Aquino, credited them with helping him increase his offensive output.

"Both guys are really hard-working and responsible in their own ends. They go to different spots in the ice at different times, and I think I have a different role on the line than I might have had last year. I can go into the corners and get the puck and try to make things happen."

Aquino, the Troops' leading points earner with 19, slid head-first into the boards in a 4-1 win Sunday over the visiting Plymouth Whalers and may not be available Friday night.

Oulahen said the makeup of this year's Battalion squad has allowed him to focus more on playing in the offensive zone.

"I think the dynamic of our team is different this year. We have very strong goaltending and our defence is playing really well, so I don't have to spend as much time focusing on my defensive play, even though that's a strong point of my game."

Said McDonald: "Oulahen has been unbelievable for us the last few games. He's been a great leader all season, but now he's really stepped his game up."

The visit to Kingston will be special for McDonald, who spent almost three seasons with the Frontenacs until he was traded to the Battalion on Sept. 20.

"This is a big game for me," said McDonald, who had a goal in the Troops' 4-3 overtime win over the visiting Frontenacs on Sept. 26.

"I spent three years there and I know a lot of people there. When we played them the first time this year, I think I was still in shock because everything had happened so quick. I've really settled in here now."

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 4, 2004


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