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Back from Alberta, Jamie Darlison returns to winning ways in Trenton

Writer's picture: Joel VanderlaanJoel Vanderlaan


As Jamie Darlison continues to develop his game in the OJHL, the 19-year-old forward has had the opportunity to play for two of the league's most respected head coaches: Derek Smith of the Trenton Golden Hawks and Rob Pearson of the Pickering Panthers.


Pearson, a former NHL winger, was selected 12th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft and played 269 games in the league. Before his professional career, he starred in the OHL with the Belleville Bulls and Oshawa Generals.


Defensively, Darlison has benefited from Smith's expertise. The former NHL blueliner played for the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames and won a Calder Cup with the Binghamton Senators.


Smith has never had a losing season in his five years as head coach in the league and was named the OJHL Coach of the Year for the 2019-20 season. He led the Golden Hawks to the Eastern Conference title in his first season with the club.


"Playing for Rob, when I went in there, they had just won the championship the previous year," Darlison said. "I knew that I wanted to start my junior career off with a coach that knew what he was doing with a winning record and a good reputation. He taught me a lot of things."


"When I was traded to Trenton, Rob told me about Derek. He had the best record in the league and knows what he's doing behind the bench to get guys to come here. Obviously, they have two different styles, but I think that's what makes them great coaches."


Last season, Darlison split his time between Pickering and Trenton, tallying 14 goals and 48 points in 43 games. In the playoffs, he added five goals and six assists in 16 contests, helping the Golden Hawks reach the OJHL finals.


"It's a special place coming here last year from one of the bottom teams of the league to the best team in the league," Darlison said of the trade. "It's a big change, winning games and just having a good group of guys with positive attitudes."


After starting this season in Alberta with the Blackfalds Bulldogs, Darlison was excited to return to Trenton and their winning ways.


"We had two wins when I left. So coming back here and winning games again. It feels really good. I'm glad to be back."


Trenton has a 35-5-2-0 record this season, with a league-best winning percentage. The Whitby, Ontario native has been excellent in his return to the lineup, collecting 18 points in 14 games.


Although chosen in the in the eleventh round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection by the Hamilton Bulldogs. Darlison has his sights set on securing an NCAA commitment. Along with an interest in studying kinesiology and becoming a chiropractor.


"I had the chance to go to the OHL, but I’ve always wanted to take the NCAA route,” he said. "It’s a great path."


Being closer to home and winning hockey games once again has Darlison feeling confident.



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