BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Every time Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats forward Nick Esposto steps
onto the ice, he gives his team his all so they can win.
The motivation behind his determination? His parents, Danny and
Tracey.
"I owe a lot to my parents," said the 15-year-old. "I was born
and raised in Little Current and they've driven to games and
practices two hours away since I started AAA hockey in peewee a
few years ago. Sometimes they had to drive me to Warren just
for practices. I do what I do because, first of all I want to,
and more importantly, for my parents. I want to do my best for
them. I had to miss a lot of school and they had to take time
off work to get me to games."
Esposto has been setting a furious pace in his first year in
the Great North Midget League (GNML), with 13 goals and 33
points in 25 games, good for 10th in league scoring. He's rated
a to be a top pick in the 2007 OHL Draft.
"I'm just out to do my best each game and prove as much as I
can I can play at the next level," said the six-foot-one
forward. "I want to improve my game all the time and get
drafted high and play in the OHL. My game is picking up... The
draft is in the back of my mind. It doesn't affect me
negatively…it makes me want to play better because scouts are
watching, so I go as hard as I can every time."
At the first big scouting event of the season - the Sudbury Big
Nickel Hockey Tournament - Esposto was brilliant. He picked up
three goals and seven points in four round-robin games and
helped Rayside go undefeated with a 2-0-2 record and make the
playoffs. (They were the only local entry to make it that far.)
For his efforts, Esposto made the midget all-star squad.
"I proved I could play with anyone and against anyone in
Ontario for major midget or midget," said the 183-pound player.
"The team also showed it was competitive."
Esposto has wowed his coaches with an acute ability to
understand the game and utilize his skills and assets.
"Nick is one of those rare players who seems to excel every
week…every game," said Rayside head coach Vic McDonald. "His
execution of the game from the start of the season is 80
percent better. He absorbs everything and he's gifted."
Esposto is strong in all areas of his game, but still has work
to do.
"Nick is talented and has the whole package," said the bench
boss. "He can score, fore check, back check and creates a lot
of opportunities for himself and his teammates. His defensive
game needs some fine tuning because he's so
offensive-minded."
Esposto is a major cog in the Sabrecats' machine.
"Nick is in a goal-scoring role for us," said McDonald. "As the
season wears on, I hope he becomes a leader and sets goals for
others to look up to and achieve."
