Chatham native Joseph Raaymakers is looking back on his OHL rookie season as a good one.
The 17-year-old played in 25 regular season games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and replaced the starting goalie in parts of two playoff games. "I learned a lot from not just my teammates but my coaches and especially my goalie coach," says Raaymakers. "I felt like I've improved and developed but I've got a lot of work to do over the summertime and come in next year ready." Raaymakers finished the year with a 14-7 record, with a goals against average of 3.05 and an .898 save percentage.
Additionally, Raaymakers is one of eight goalies who has been invited to the next Hockey Canada U18 camp, where four goaltenders will be selected to compete in the main camp for two spots on the roster.
He adds he knows nothing is given to players and expects to compete for a starting job next season with incumbent Brandon Halverson. The Greyhounds were eliminated from the playoffs by the Erie Otters in the Western Conference semifinal in six games.