Features > Player Spotlight- Justin Huelsman
Player Spotlight- Justin Huelsman
by Daniel Bell, Generals Staff Writer
Justin Huelsman is one of three Generals players who grew up playing youth hockey for the Lane Amateur Hockey Association (LAHA). Huelsman is entering his third season this year. He has played 40 games, has 4 goals and 3 assists. Justin was voted by his teammates as one of the alternate captains this season, and it has shown him how far he has come in his junior hockey career.
"I started as a practice player and each season I have slowly moved up the leadership ranks," Huelsman said. "It is good to be looked up to rather than looking for leadership from others. I try to keep the younger players calm because emotion is part of the game. To leave the ice with an attitude is not necessary because there is another shift to be played."
Huelsman had a rough season last year due to a fractured clavicle, forcing him to sit out 13 weeks. It was tough for him watching his team practice and play during that time period.
"It was long and slow and hard watching the team practice every morning and play every game. It never ended," Justin commented. "When I got back I couldn't hit for two weeks and was skating with the team, but wasn't really playing. When I got back, I scored a goal in my first game and it felt good."
If there is a player on the Generals that has seen hockey grow in Eugene, it's Justin. The fan base for the Generals grows every season, and the number of kids that participates in LAHA grows every year.
I am only playing with two kids from my original LAHA team (Stefan Veach and Jordan Blake-Jones)," he stated. "The game has grown and more kids are starting to play hockey and they tell their friends."
"The fan base has grown by the team hanging posters, and being in the community," he explained. "Last year, the team participated in the Christmas Party for Foster and Adoptive Parents Association of Lane County."
Justin explained what he thought about this year's team so far. "I think we are solid and everyone is getting along. We are starting to find chemistry and are improving day by day."
Justin has come a long way with the Generals in his three years with the team. He looks to help the younger players develop on and off the ice. Fans should look for Justin to make a big impact on this year's team.