Complementary players take shots
It seems Seth Compton is that “bubble” player at almost every Spokane Chiefs training camp.
Then, at the end of the day, he is on the opening-day roster for the Western Hockey League team.
The grinder out of West Richland, Wash., is conspicuous because of his tireless work ethic on the ice – whether in a pickup game at Eagles Ice-A-Rena, in a daily practice, or in a scrimmage.
The workman-like forward has continued his ways during the first two days of the team’s three-day camp, which concludes today at 1 p.m. with the Red-White game. He’s been in the middle of many scoring chances by being the player who wants it more – and shows it.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound forward, 18, is at his third camp with Spokane. He’s been on the roster for 67 and 41 games, respectively, over the past 72-game seasons and has 15 points over those two years. He’s had to earn many of those points after having been a healthy scratch for a game or two and as a member of the team’s third or fourth lines.
“I guess it is true – I’ve always been in that spot,” Compton said Saturday. “Obviously, I’d like to be at the top spot, but that’s not how it is, so I just work as hard as I can and give it all.”
Compton isn’t the most physically gifted player, but he finds a way to get the job done.
“I’m known as the hardest worker on the team, most of the time,” Compton said. “They (the coaches) understand what my game is and I try to give it every time I’m out there.”
Compton is one of a few complementary players who are trying to earn a larger role with the team this season. Two others, defenseman Dan Mercer and forward Judd Blackwater, have also had outstanding camps.
Blackwater came to the team last year as a rarity (an 18-year-old free agent) and often played on the third and fourth lines. He showed a blend of grit, toughness and a willingness to battle in front of the net which coaches liked last season.
“I just want to play myself into a better line for the regular season – or even the exhibition season – then just go from there, I guess,” Blackwater said.
Mercer’s last season was hampered by a sports hernia that he tried to nurse through the end of the season to delay surgery on the condition. He finally went under the knife in June and has only been on the ice for a couple of weeks entering camp.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on the ice, but coming over here again feels good, that’s for sure,” Mercer said. “I’ll probably take it day by day coming back. I’m not going to take any unnecessary risks. … Just come back slowly and by season opener will be right back into it.”
Mercer, 19, is being counted on by the Chiefs as a top-six defenseman and relishes the potential role as he enters his fourth full WHL season.
“We’re coming into a big season for this team,” said Mercer. “We know how huge this season can be for us and every defenseman is going to be key for us. But especially for me, coming back, I need to be on the top of my game at all times. … That’s what I’m working toward.”