O’Neill leaning on championship experience

Amy Deroche / OJHL Images

A year ago, Trenton Golden Hawks defenceman Candon O’Neill was adjusting to life away from home for the first time.

Now, the 18-year-old is hoping to win another Buckland Cup.

“I feel more confident than last year. I’m playing a bigger role now with some of the older guys gone,” he said. “I really believe in this team, and I think we’re going to finish strong and make a deep playoff run.”

“Last year was my first time moving away from home, so it wasn’t easy. The guys on the team and the coaching staff made me feel welcome, and my billets really made this place feel like home. It’s become a second family for me.”

The Golden Hawks currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 40-9-0-2 record and are ranked fifth nationally.

O’Neill says he’s leaned on his championship experience throughout the season.

“Last season was a lot, and it was a long grind,” he said. “You have to love every second of it. Not every game is easy, so we need to find ways to get wins, even when we’re not at our best. We just need to continue putting the puck in the net and support our goalies, and we’ll be in good shape.”

The Sault Ste. Marie native leads all defencemen on the team in scoring, with five goals and 33 points in 42 games.

An elite puck mover, O’Neill credits his skating ability to years of practice.

“It’s really just growing up, skating with good coaches and my buddies on outdoor rinks, and just being on the ice,” he said. “The more you do it, the better you get. My coaches over the years have helped me a ton.”

Family support has also been a constant for O’Neill.

“My parents have been incredible,” he said. “They’ve given me love and support my whole life, driving hours every weekend to be here. It’s awesome to be able to reward them with some success in my hockey career.”

Looking ahead, O’Neill remains focused on his future.

“Lake Superior State is still the goal,” he said. “I stay in touch with the coaches there, and once their season ends, they’ll be able to watch more of my games.”

O’Neill is considering studying either fire science or kinesiology, the same program as his trainer, Aiden Wright.

Head coach Derek Smith also played his college hockey at Lake Superior State, while Golden Hawks forward Joey Brehmer is committed to the school.

As the playoffs approach, O’Neill is excited to take on even more responsibility.

“I want to be on the ice, contributing in every situation, offensively and defensively,” he said. “I want to be a well-rounded defenceman, and this year, I’m getting the opportunity to do that night in and night out.”