Features > Player Spotlight- Former LAHA Players
Player Spotlight- Former LAHA Players
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR- Brandon Gruber, Ian Evans, Nolan Ohmart, Kyle McElroy and Trevor McCarty played a combined 24 years with Lane Amateur Hockey Association. They are now all first year players with the Generals, and each share their thoughts on playing with the Generals, the jump to Junior hockey and their expectations for the rest of the season.
Chris Bilder: How does it feel to play for the Generals after playing youth hockey in Eugene?
Brandon Gruber: It’s exciting because it’s a lot higher level than what you normally see in Eugene.
Ian Evans: It’s fun because we get to play with players we watched play last year.
Nolan Ohmart: It’s cool because I’ve watched junior hockey in Eugene for the past few years, and it’s cool to be a part of it now.
Kyle McElroy: It feels good because I feel like I’ve spent my entire youth in this rink, and its cool that I get to play at a higher level without leaving.
Trevor McCarty: It feels good to be playing here because as a kid I always watched this level, and it feels good to finally be in their shoes.
CB: Brandon, you were able to get your first point of the season last Saturday. How did it feel for each of you to get your first point this season?
BG: It was a relief because it didn’t exactly come right away. It was just good to get it out of the way.
IE: It felt good because it felt like I’d broke into the league. When I got that first point I felt like I belonged.
TM: It felt good to get my first point because it helped contribute to the team.
CB: What is the biggest difference between playing for LAHA and playing for the Generals?
BG: Intensity
IE: Speed
NO: Accuracy and power of the shots.
KM: Skill level of the players.
TM: The physical aspect of the game.
CB: How has your experience been so far?
BG: It's been good especially since the team has been successful.
IE: It’s been fun. Lots of practice. Lots of ice time. Its been fun.
NO: Its fun being on the ice almost every single day.
KM: It’s been really great so far, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
TM: My experience has been good. I get picked on a little, but I’d feel like they didn’t like me if they didn’t pick on me.
CB: What has been the best moment?
BG: Having my first goal and first fight in the same game.
IE: Getting my first goal.
NO: Getting player of the game in Coeur d’Alene.
KM: I’d probably say my best moment is getting Big Town Hero against Puget Sound.
TM: Getting in my first fight against the Lakers.
CB: What do you hope to get out of playing for the Generals?
BG: Being able to adapt against players who are way better skilled than you are.
KM: I hope to improve my game, and help the team win.
TM: Increasing my skills and being able to move on to a higher level of hockey.
CB: Last year at this time did you expect to be in the position you are now?
BG: Yes
IE: Yes
NO: Yes
KM: Yes
TM: Yes
CB: What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
BG: To be a force when I’m on the ice.
IE: I want to get a few more points and become stronger.
NO: I want to get faster on rebound recovery.
KM: To increase my physical play.
TM: To get some goals, and get in a consistent rotation.
CB: Where do you expect the team to be at the end of the season?
BG: Being competitive at Nationals.
IE: Beantown.
NO: Beating Seattle in the Finals.
KM: In Boston.
TM: To go as far as we can in playoffs.