As his play draws greater attention, Kingston Frontenacs forward Ethan Miedema has learned to focus on his long-term development.
Already boasting excellent skill, Miedema has recorded 40 goals and 64 assists for 104 points over 154 career games in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires and Kingston.
Last summer, his enterprising play was rewarded when the Buffalo Sabres selected him in the fourth round of the annual entry draft. Now, the 18-year-old native of Cobourg, Ontario, will have to deal with the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being a legitimate prospect.
"I am still far away," he said. "But I have opportunities. I got some games at the Prospect Challenge and met all the staff [in Buffalo]. It is definitely a ways away, but I'm also eventually going to be there, and like I said, so much time has to be put in before."
While Miedema continues to progress towards his ultimate objective of playing in the National Hockey League, his skill and effort have taken him a long way. At the same time, his closest advisers deserve praise for assisting his progress.
Miedema is especially grateful for the support of current Kingston Frontenacs head coach Troy Mann. In particular, he commended Mann for his accolades in player development.
"When you look back at all the players, he has helped progress. That is a big thing for me," he said. "I am trying to learn as much from him in this window. It goes quickly; by the time I know it, I'll be out of the league, So I am taking it day by day, as cliche as that sounds."
Even with a bright future, Miedema is very much focused on the season at hand.
"I definitely had a good start. I think the last couple of weekends have not been my best," he said. "I have to get back to how I felt at the start of the season with a lot of confidence."
His team-first attitude has served him well thus far and will undoubtedly help him in the future.
"We have a very talented group. Our record does not show what we will be at the end of the year."
Obviously, Miedema believes that he and the organization are capable of much more. For fans, the Frontenacs and the prospect remain among the more intriguing stories this year.
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