Most rookies take time to adjust to a new league and Okotoks Junior B Bison rookie Michael Savage is learning too, just at a faster pace.
After playing in the Okotoks Midget program last season, the Okotoks native has graduated to become an impact defenceman with the Heritage Junior B Hockey League’s Bisons.
The main challenge thus far, Savage indicated, has been getting acquainted with his new teammates.
“I’m used to playing in Okotoks with the same guys all the time so (I’m) meeting a lot of new people, getting chemistry back with new guys. It’s starting to come around,” he explained.
Savage has noticed the not-so-subtle differences between Junior and Midget hockey, namely the speed and size of the forwards coming down the wing.
“(Guys are) a lot faster and bigger. (I’m) playing against older guys, bigger people,” he said.
Bisons coach Rory Hennigan has been impressed with Savage’s ascent up the depth chart. After struggling initially, like most rookies do, the coach has seen progression in the mental side of the young man’s game.
“He started off making those little mistakes; thinking about Midget hockey, trying to play Midget hockey when you’re playing Junior hockey and right now, he’s one of my go-to guys,” Hennigan said.
Savage’s growth was no more evident than in Sunday’s clash with first-place Coaldale. Following the ejection of several players due to a line brawl, Savage stepped in effortlessly and played top-line minutes for the final period and a half.
The fact he can be counted on in those moments is a major step forward, Hennigan pointed out.
“I know he’s going to get out there and he’s going to make a play. He’s going to make something happen.”
While playing time is somewhat fluid on a team with solid depth, Savage is not about to panic if his number isn’t being called.
“All our guys are really effective on the back end so we all get our fair share of ice. Some days you have good games, some days you have bad games and you get more or less,” he said.
For the self-described “gritty” defenceman, the most notable improvement in Savage’s game has been his ability to play with the puck in the corner – especially in the face of the opposition forecheck.
“Those are things that you don’t really expect from a rookie but he’s doing it,” Hennigan said.
Savage said he hopes he will continue to move up and gain a bigger role within the team. The 18-year-old has made it clear he’s not going anywhere, at least for the time being.
“I’m not going to quit hockey yet and I like this organization so I’m planning on sticking around,” he said.
Which is good news for the Okotoks Bisons.
