BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Scott Lavigne is a betting man, and he's
going against the odds as he pursues his OHL hockey
dreams.
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Scott Lavigne played in 42 games
for the St. Michael's Majors during his rookie
season. |
Lavigne, 18, is a five-foot-11, 180-pound
defenceman for the Toronto St. Michael's Majors looking to make
his mark in a big way.
With his small, yet thick frame, Lavigne has
the odds stacked against him as he attempts to establish
himself in a position usually reserved and
dominated by big players, but therein lies
his motivation to succeed.
"I have to work harder because of my size,"
said Lavigne. "I have always done that. I never give up. Hard
work got me here, and hard work is going to keep my
here."
London's Danny Syvret (six feet, 200-pounds)
proved smaller defenceman can play in the OHL, and be extremely
effective.
Lavigne has all the tools to become just as
an effective player as Syvret, thanks to his poise, calmness
and high-end skill.
Lavigne played in 42 games as a rookie for
the majors in 2004-05. Lavigne managed one goal and three
points while adjusting to one of the toughest positions in all
of hockey: a rookie blueliner.
Lavigne had his ups and downs, but his
promise is making others excited, and he will get his chance to
shine in 2005-06.
"We are definitely looking to expand his role
in his second year," said Majors' head coach Bud Stefanski.
"Coming in as a five-foot-eleven, 180-pound defenceman, Scott
was quite physically ready to be on a regular shift in 2004-05.
I expect with a year of seasoning now under his belt, Scott
will step in and be a regular with us. Scott has great skating
ability, good vision with the puck and he can pass it
well."
The only one stopping Lavigne from realizing
his full potential is himself.
"Scott has the potential to, perhaps, play
the point on the power play," said Stefanski. "It's up to him
on how hard he works towards that, and puts himself in the
position to challenge for that position...and we hope he
develops into it."
Lavigne feels comfortable with the
possibilities of a greater role.
"With my first year over, I got to learn
about all the bad things that can happen," said Lavigne. "You
have to rise above it and become a better player from it. It
was tough getting used to not having a lot of ice time,
especially coming from a team (Sudbury Northern Wolves) where I
was on the ice all
the time. There's no point being in Toronto
if I can't improve on my rookie season. I want to put up more
points next season, and stop the puck from
going into my net more."
Lavigne feels he brings more to the table
than just offensive creativity.
"I bring leadership and a strong work ethic,"
said Lavigne. "I try to lead by example. If younger guys see
older players working hard, then they will push themselves
harder, and it makes the whole team better."
Lavigne had self-doubts about the OHL.
"Playing OHL hockey was something I always
wished for growing up," said Lavigne. "I used to think I would
never play in the OHL, but hard work paid off for me, and then
it depends on what you do with the chance."
Lavigne doesn't mind the big city life while
playing in Toronto.
"I have family there, so it makes it easier
on me to be away from home," said Lavigne. "Sometimes though,
you just have to learn from experiences. It
can be tough, but when you're doing something
you love, it's all right. I am 100 percent for hockey. I am
motivated to take it as far as I can."
Lavigne's highlight was helping the Majors
dispose of hated rival Mississauga in the first round,
especially since Mississauga finished first in the Eastern
Conference, 14 points ahead of Toronto.
"The season turned around for us after
Christmas," said Lavigne. "The team brought in some new guys,
we won some games, and attitudes
changed. It was great to beat
Mississauga."
