BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Mississauga IceDogs' player and Sudbury boy Jadran Beljo isn't
making any excuses this season and is all business.
The nifty left winger is putting his best foot forward this
season as he attempts to rebound from an off year
statistically.
 He is looking forward to helping his teammates avenge an abysmal season, which saw them miss the playoffs and become a punching bag for opponents.
Last year, Beljo recorded 12 goals and 41 points in 55 games.
The year before, in Peterborough, he fired in 19 goals and 35
points in 59 games.
Beljo wasn't happy with his record and is fired up to show the
league and fans he has what it takes to be a big time
player.
"It's a really important year for me," said the 19-year-old.
"Personally, I am hoping to improve my numbers and work on my
all-around game to become a more complete player. Team wise, we
have the potential to do some real damage this year and make up
for last season...I want to be a big part of it and help out
any way I can."
Not only did Beljo slip offensively last year, he had to watch
his former teammates in Peterborough win the OHL championship
and then go to the Memorial Cup. (Beljo was traded in the
summer of 2005.)
As an older player, Beljo will lend his experience to any
listening ears.
"I have taken on more of a leadership role," said the six-foot,
175-pound winger. "Everyone has to step it up though for us to
have success. I am just trying to do my part. I want to help
these guys win and prepare for each game, so there's no excuses
and certainly no off nights."
Even though the IceDogs are on the selling block and will move
at the end of the season to a yet-to-be-determined city, Beljo
and the rest of the team are focused on the task at hand.
"I have been impressed with the guys," said the sniper. "We
haven't discussed the move at all...it's a non issue. We're
concentrating on having a winning season. We leave everything
to guys in the front office and just go out and play our best
hockey...things will work out."
Mississauga head coach Mike Kelly calls Beljo one of his go-to
guys.
"We need Jadran to be a honest player and put up big numbers,"
said the coach. "He told me he's putting it all together and
ready to lay it all on the line. We need his experience. I hope
he can be a 20 to 30 goal guy, who also gets a +20 to +25
rating. He will be a guy we put in all kinds of
situations."
There's room for Beljo to develop even more.
"Jadran has plenty of motivation," said Kelly. "He's motivated
to be a premiere player in this league. He has exceptional
hands and the puck follows him around. He has a quiet
confidence and if he gets stronger on the puck...he could be a
30 to 40 goal guy for us and that would be a bonus."
Beljo's determination will not crack this year.
"We have what it takes to make the playoffs," said Beljo. "We
were rated very low in the pre-season rankings and we're using
it as fuel for our fires to turn things around and prove people
wrong."
Beljo vows to play every game like it's his last.
"My time in the OHL is winding down...there's the potential for
an overage season next year, but I want to make some noise
now," said Beljo. "If I have a good year, I give myself more
options at the end of the season for my career."
Beljo got the start he was looking for, scoring two goals and
two points in his first two games.
