Music: {allcanada} SCHEIFELE FLOURISHING IN OHL DURING LOCKOUT

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

{allcanada} SCHEIFELE FLOURISHING IN OHL DURING LOCKOUT

Mark Scheifele has always been someone who lives in the now, as described by The Winnipeg Sun.

So rather than worry about where he might stand if the NHL lockout weren't currently in full swing, the first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft has been focusing on flourishing in his third season with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League.

Not only does Scheifele find himself second in the OHL in scoring with eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 15 games, the Colts are the top team in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 11-3-0-1 record under head coach Dale Hawerchuk.

The prospect has worked on getting stronger.

"I've matured a lot physically and mentally," said Scheifele, who had a career-best six-point game against the Ottawa 67s earlier this month. "I've learned a lot over the last year and went through a lot of things, how to deal with ups-and-downs and that's a big thing in becoming a pro hockey player.

"Last year was an unbelievable ride and it was one of the funnest times of my life, being in Winnipeg."

Scheifele is eager for another shot to crack the Jets' roster, but his thoughts aren't dominated by thoughts of the lockout or when it might end.

"I try to keep it out of my mind as much as possible," said Scheifele. "I don't have any control over it and I hope they can work something out. If they do, I'm ready and raring to go.

"You have to look at the positives. I get to develop here and I have somewhere to play hockey and I'm able to better my game, get stronger and bigger and more ready to sustain an NHL season."

Scheifele has already been chosen to suit up for the OHL in the Subway Series against Russia and he's expected to be invited for the world junior camp in December as well.