Music: {allcanada} BIGGS ADMITS TO 'ADDED PRESSURE' OF LEAFS NATION

Thursday, September 27, 2012

{allcanada} BIGGS ADMITS TO 'ADDED PRESSURE' OF LEAFS NATION

The Toronto Sun believes that since Maple Leafs prospect Tyler Biggs is making his foray into major junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals after one season in the NCAA, more might be expected by those who burn up the message boards talking all things Leafs. "A guy like Tyler wants to be a pro as soon as possible," Generals coach D.J. Smith said. "But don't judge him until the second half of the season. I think he will be exactly the player (the Leafs) drafted and be consistent. "But it's a very good league and it's a lot harder than people think. It's going to take some time to adjust to three games in three days. My job is to try to take as much pressure off him as possible. Just play hockey.

"The sooner you are having fun, the sooner you are in your own element, the sooner your confidence comes, the better you are going to play."

Biggs' commitment, not only to himself but the Generals and the Leafs, started to germinate months ago, when he arrived in Toronto to spend the summer working out with other prospects at the team's training facility in Etobicoke. Under the eye of strength and conditioning co-ordinator Anthony Belza, Biggs grunted and sweated along with his peers, mindful that Leafs Nation is going to be keeping tabs on his every on-ice move.

"I think I would be lying to you if I said there was not any added pressure," Biggs said. "I want to do well and I want to perform and reach expectations of other people and myself and I think that just comes with the territory. I can't let it affect me."

But that doesn't mean Biggs hasn't set goals for himself.

"Being a 20-, 25-plus goal-scorer in this league would be an accomplishment, I think," Biggs said. "I don't try to think too far ahead. Showing people that I have that offensive side of my game as well, that could be huge for me.

"Play in all situations, be a guy they can depend on when the game is on the line."