Werenski Enjoying Strong Season

Fort Erie, ON

Life in the CCHL for Fort Erie Falcons rookie defenceman Zach Werenski is pretty good these days. 

 The Falcons have points in 49 of 67 games this season and the rookie defender has made the transition to the CCHL seamlessly from the ranks of the NCAA where he played prior to transitioning into a professional this season.

 Werenski reached the 50 point plateau last night with his 11th goal of the season and now sits tied with teammate Dougie Hamilton for eighth in scoring by defencemen.  He is also a +40 on the season, which is fantastic for anyone; let alone a rookie playing the toughest position in the game.

 All of these accolades would normally put Werenski in rare air and would have many talking about him as a serious rookie of the year contender – but this isn’t every year.

 There are two other rookies that have taken the CCHL by storm and both have scored at least 40 goals in their first seasons respectively.

Hamilton’s Patrik Laine and Halifax’s Auston Matthews have been sensational in their CCHL debuts which comes to no surprise to anybody you ask around the league.

Despite that, one would have to think it was frustrating for a player like Werenski to have the season he is having with very little fanfare.  Werenski however doesn’t see it that way at all and has relished being able to enter the league without the league-wide spotlight shining on him.

“It has certainly made the transition a lot easier to have the focus be on those two.  They are great players and deserve to have that spotlight.  I’ll never score 40 goals in this league.  They are stars and they deserve all of the attention they get.  I’m just happy to play a top-four role on a really good team.  I’m just happy to be contributing like I am and to be at 50 points already has kind of exceeded my expectations but it’s been a lot of fun,” said Werenski of his success. 

Although humble, those around the team on a regular basis understand what he’s meant to the team – especially Falcons General Manager Matt Young.

“He’s a guy that I tried to get for a year.  I paid a massive price to Calgary to get him and Gibby (goaltender John Gibson) but they were two guys I valued highly.  He’s been exactly what I thought he’d be, probably more.  I actually don’t know where we’d be without him.  He’s been that good.  I think, because of the position, he’s the best rookie in the league but I know everyone else will go by the numbers and that’s fine.  We’re very happy with him and he’ll be on this team for a long time.” 

Despite Werenski and teammate Jacob Slavin being under 24, the team has prospects Vince Dunn and Thomas Chabot expected to challenge for jobs next year.   One could see this embarrassment of riches being a problem, but not the Falcons GM.

“Problem?  No, it’s not a problem and if it’s considered a problem, well it’s a problem I’m sure 20 other teams in the league would happily take.  We’re in a good spot and it gives us depth should we need to address another area of concern but I’m hoping we don’t have to go that route anytime soon,” said Young.

With that being said, who is your CCHL rookie of the year?  It’s as tough a choice as there has ever been in the CCHL and illustrates the importance of gaining a franchise player through the CCHL draft.  Let us know your choice in the comment section!