Abbotsford News Saturday, December 17, 2011
A33
Rookie’s progress a ‘great story’: Ward From A30
seriously. It’s starting to pay off in the way I feel and the way I’m playing on the ice.” Indeed, Howse has achieved tangible results – he’s carved his weight down as low as 205 pounds, and Ward rewarded him last Saturday by inserting him on the Heat’s second line for a game against the Lake Erie Monsters. Howse skated alongside Roman Horak, his team-
mate the past two seasons with the WHL’s Bruins, and Paul Byron, and the trio was very effective in a 3-1 Heat win. “When we stepped out on the ice at the start of the game, I was like, ‘Wow, I don’t know if I can keep up to these guys,’” Howse said with a chuckle. “I was a little nervous – I didn’t want to make a mistake and lose the opportunity. But as the game went on, I felt way more comfortable.”
EASY DECISION HARD TO WRAP
www.bikebrewery.com 604.851.BIKE(2453) 2-33147 S. Fraser Way
Did you hear? Domaine De Chaberton WINERY IS HAVING A SALE!
20% OFF Just in time for the holidays Check our website Be “in the loop” and we’ll let you know when!
www.DomaineDeChaberton.com
Rather than dwell on Howse’s early shortcomings, Ward said Howse’s progress has been “one of the great stories this year.” “He deserves all the credit in the world – he embraced it,” Ward said. “There’s all kinds of ways to develop at this level. There’s also a development in life, just of patience. Everything is fast this, fast that. The internet’s got to get faster. The iPad’s got to get faster. There’s a level of
patience. “There’s a lot of hope with this young man.” Up until this season, scoring goals had come as naturally as breathing for Howse. But with his conditioning squared away, he’s hoping his first at the pro level is just around the corner. “I think I’ve already been through the worst of the worst,” he said with a grin. “I’m going to keep working hard and not get frustrat-
ed. That’s the biggest thing – have fun with it a little bit. That’s the way I look at it. Eventually it has to go in, I’d imagine.” TEDDY BEAR TOSS ON SUNDAY The Heat hosted the Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday, but that result was unavailable at press time (visit abbynews.com for updates). The two teams renew hostilities at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports
Centre. Sunday’s game features the annual teddy bear toss, where fans are invited to bring a stuffed animal and throw it on the ice after the Heat’s first goal. The event benefits children in need through the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau. Fans who bring a stuffed animal can check in at section 101 to receive a free ticket voucher for the Heat’s March 7 game vs. the Houston Aeros.