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A hockey dream comes true
Adam Comrie's aspirations to play in the National Hockey League took a big step toward becoming reality June 21 when he was selected in the third round of the 2008 NHL draft.
Comrie, 17, of Ashburn, was drafted by the Florida Panthers with the 80th overall selection. The Canada-born defenseman saw his draft stock rise following a strong first season playing for the Saginaw (Mich.) Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League.
“It was very exciting. I was nervous for a while,” said Comrie, who followed the draft on his television and computer. “It's a job for me now. I have to be ready to work.”
Comrie played locally for the Reston Rapids and Ashburn Xtreme as he developed his skills. He attended Stone Bridge High School as a freshman before joining and playing one season with the Omaha Lancers of the U.S. Hockey League.
“He left home at 15 to pursue his dream. It's nice to see that hard work pay off,” said Adam's father, Ralph Comrie. “Now the real work begins.”
Adam Comrie then decided to forgo his amateur eligibility and join the Spirit, one of three United States teams in the OHL. Comrie said the USHL is more of a “college route,” while the OHL is made up of players with “unbelievable skill.”
“I made a decision that I wanted to pursue my goal of playing in the NHL and work as hard as I can to get there,” Comrie said.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound defenseman made the most of his jump to the OHL, scoring 28 points (10 goals and 18 assists) and earning a plus-minus rating of plus 18 last season. Comrie wowed scouts with his size, mobility, grit and powerful shot in the process.
“This past year, I felt like I was fitting in with Saginaw and started playing better as the year went on,” Comrie said.
Comrie, who turns 18 on July 31, also has been invited to participate in the United States hockey team camp, where a roster will be formed to compete for the United States in the World Junior Championships, set to begin Dec. 26 in his birthplace of Ottawa.
As for his professional status, the Florida Panthers have two years to sign Comrie. He expects to play another season for Saginaw while finishing his senior year of high school beginning this fall.
“I'm going to work out and get as strong as I can,” Comrie said. “Work on and off the ice and do everything I can to get to the next level.”
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