The Minor-Midget age group (15-16) is a tough one for hockey players. For many, it’s a chance to prove yourself to scouts from all over the world in hopes of cracking a top level junior squad. For others, it could be a big wake-up call for those who may have realized that pursuing a career in hockey just won’t be in the cards for them. For those who may have what it takes to make it to the next level, seasoning your play to hopefully find yourself reach your goal can have a long term benefit, and that’s exactly what Oakville Blades winger Adam Timleck is hoping will happen to him.
Timleck, a fourth round draft pick by the Peterborough Petes this past spring, is a five-foot-eight, 150-pound right wing from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens who had 18 goals and 32 points in 33 games. It was a successful season for Timleck and his team, who won gold at the GTMMHL Kraft Cup Championships and GTMMHL Scotiabank Playoff Championships, as well as a silver medal at the OHL Cup back in March. Featuring a team full of young potential NHL draft picks, Timleck proved himself as a valuable asset in the offensive zone, setting up his teammates with ease.
Recently, at the Oakville Blades rookie camp, Timleck was easily one of the more entertaining players to watch. In multiple instances, Timleck used his speed and skill to blow by defenders and make the goaltender looks silly on the play before roofing the puck for a goal. In fact, Timleck looked like one of the best players every time he hit the ice, a big accomplishment considering there were older and more experienced players looking to take them down with every chance they got.
“Adam is a very dynamic skilled forward. He thinks the game at a higher level and is always in position to score. Adam creates excitement and is dangerous everytime he touches the puck”, said Blades GM Mike Daley. “A natural scorer that can play in all situations we’re looking forward to big things from Adam this season as he makes the jump to the OJHL.
A quick skater, Timleck has a knack for finding openings in the ice fairly well. During the 2014 OHL Cup, when many of the eyes were on line mates Travis Barron and Kevin Hancock, Timleck made himself the most explosive presence on the ice. In one instance, two Ottawa Jr. 67’s players knocked down the Jr. Canadiens star, only for him to keep control of the puck each time.
Adam Timleck significantly improved over the course of the year. High pace, competes. Needs a year, but a perfect 2nd/3rd line skater
— Sean Lafortune (@SeanLafortune) August 22, 2014
There is a lot of interest in Timleck these days. A very talented young forward, Timleck is signed to play with the Blades, but could end up seeing time with the Petes at some point in the season. However, many believe there are NCAA scouts interested on the 16 year old right winger. With the 2014 OJHL Governors Showcase taking place in Oakville, Ontario once again, their is reason to believe he could be one of the more touted wingers when the scouts come to play. Timleck is already off to a solid start with the Blades this season, having assisted on two goals in his first pre-season game with the club. A full season in Junior A should be a big boost for the youngster, as making the jump to the OHL at such a young age could end up being damaging to any player’s career. Regardless of where he’ll play this season, Timleck has all the tools available to reach a high level of success and can’t be ignored in the short term.
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Steven is a junior hockey reporter for the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, and also focuses on international hockey for his website, TheHockeyHouse.net. You can follow Steven on twitter,@StevenEllisNHL.
Photo from Alex D’Addese Photography.
