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Regina Pats forward Jared McAmmond is proving that sometimes numbers aren’t everything in hockey.
The Grande Cache, AB native has yet to score a goal or even register a point so far this season. Despite the lack of offensive output, McAmmond has only missed two games.
“(You) just got to keep trying to play your game. Sure, it’s frustrating (not scoring goals) off the ice. Once you get on the ice, it’s all business,” he said. “You worry about points when the chances stop coming. I keep getting chances, so I don’t worry about it. I just want it to get in.”
The last time McAmmond registered a point in a regular season was on Dec 28, 2014, when he scored a goal and had an assist against the Swift Current Broncos. McAmmond also scored a goal against the Brandon Wheat Kings in game three of their second-round playoff series.
“I look at it, the next chance I have, I got to put it in. If it doesn’t it? I look at it the same way. When it comes, it will come,” he said.
Even though McAmmond’s offensive numbers haven’t been there this year, he’s still seeing a regular shift with the team.
A lack of output could make it easy for the coaching staff to decide to sit a player for a game or two. Instead, John Paddock and company continue to use McAmmond every night.
“He’s been one of our most consistent forwards on the ice. He just does the right things all of the time. He plays a fast hard game. He doesn’t shy away, he engages in every play,” said assistant coach Dave Struch. “The offense, obviously, the stats don’t show it but it’s really hard to take him out of the lineup every night.”
Struch admits at the start of training camp, McAmmond was one of the players on the bubble to make the team with a lot of young talent waiting to make the leap to the WHL. All McAmmond has done since then is do all of the little things right to make sure he remains with the big club.
For now, the message to McAmmond from the coaches is not to change a thing.
“Just continue to be as consistent as he is because at some point when it does go in for him, you never know, it might come in bunches for him,” said Struch.
In a way, McAmmond is playing a lot like his uncle, former NHLer Dean McAmmond, who played a smart, responsible game for years at the professional level.
“He wasn’t a point getter, of course in the (WHL) he had quite a bit points. But, going into the NHL he was a good 10 goal scorer. If that’s my role I’d be happy with that,” said McAmmond.
The Pats wrap up their long stretch of nine games away from the Brandt Centre this weekend as they travel to Brandon Friday then to Moose Jaw on Saturday.
The Pats return home next Wednesday night to face the Calgary Hitmen.
