Drew Worrad is a prominent fixture in the 2014-2015 London Nationals lineup. The 17-year-old London native, in fact, is serving as an assistant captain in his second year with the Nationals Hockey Club. And he’s been having a major impact on offense. Through the first half of the Nationals’ season, Worrad led the team in scoring (and had, in fact, already surpassed his scoring output from 2013-2014).
Hockey runs in the Worrad family, as Drew’s older brother, Jake, is a former London Knight and Belleville Bull defenceman. Jake is now back home in London pursuing his post-secondary education and playing for the Western Mustangs in the OUA, and Drew says he’s happy to have the positive influence of his brother in town.
“He’s at all my home games, he’s probably my biggest fan, and he’s around to give me pointers,” the younger Worrad said. “He’s got that general hockey knowledge — moving your feet, knowing when to shoot the puck — and it really helps, because he’s been there and knows what I’m going through.”
In addition to his strength training during the off-season, Worrad spent part of his summer holidays in Honduras helping build a women’s centre and a house for a widow with four children.
“It put things in perspective,” the 17-year-old said. “Sometimes you forget, but it’s just a blessing to be able to go to school and play hockey. You start to appreciate the little things a lot more.”
The young Nationals forward was drafted in the fifth round (90th overall) by the Barrie Colts in the 2013 OHL Priority Draft. He has also been under the watchful eye of scouts from U.S. colleges. The Nationals coaching staff is certainly pleased that Worrad returned to London for another season.
“He is consistent on and off the ice and is a player we never have to worry about,” said Nationals Head Coach Kelly Thomson. “Worrad is wise beyond his years, and he carries himself that way.”
Worrad says he is focused on doing all the little things right, like getting the puck deep and maintaining control, and that as a result of doing those things right the points will come. His performance so far this season certainly indicates that the strategy is working well for him.
www.londonnationals.pointstreaksites.com
— By Melinda Maika for the London Nationals, photos by Derek Berg photography
