Maddox Dagenais finds himself in a fortunate position. Not only does the Quinte Red Devils forward receive valuable guidance from his father, Pierre, but he also has the unwavering support of his head coach, Kris Newbury.
With youthful exuberance, Dagenais has taken their advice to heart and currently leads the OMHA East in scoring with 17 goals and 31 points in 18 regular-season games.
"I take everything they have taught me and try to put it into my game," he said after a practice session.
Despite his accolades, the alternate captain constantly seeks to improve as he prepares for Major Junior.
"I think off-ice training is the best way to improve yourself," Dagenais said. "I look at my strength and speed. I need to continue working with my teammates and maintain my progress."
Much to the delight of his family and closest advisors, he has continued to impress talent evaluators and executives with his skill and competitiveness.
"He can skate. He has a lot of skill in his game," Newbury said. "When he gets a little mean out there and plays physically, he is someone to be reckoned with. He is more physical than people think. He is a great player and an even better kid."
Participating in competitive sports exposes individuals to high-pressure situations that can be challenging, especially in environments known for producing top talent and achieving results. That is why Newbury has committed to ensuring that his players and their families enjoy the process.
"I like just going about our business to tell you the truth," he said. "I am worried about developing and trying to win as many games as possible. Ultimately, we are here to try and win a championship and build these kids into good young men and hockey players."
His procedure has worked well, and the Red Devils have maintained a strong record of 13-4-1-0. Their recent performances have earned them recognition within the province, as they were named an honourable mention in the latest edition of the U16 AAA rankings for the 2024 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament.
As for Dagenais, there is no doubt that he has a promising future ahead. The possibilities of his success are limitless.
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