ORR OFFERS SAGE ADVISE TO YOUNG DEFENCEMAN

Kingston’s Scott Harrington recently selected by London in OHL draft

May 05, 2009 Sharie Epp ©Times Colonist -

Bobby Orr told Kingston Voyageurs defenceman Scott Harrington not to rush his hockey career. For Harrington, who just turned 16 a couple of months before appearing at the RBC Cup, his career is already on overdrive.

On opening day of the national Junior A championship being held at Bear Mountain Arena, Harrington was the youngest player in the tournament. On the same day, he was the 19th overall pick by the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League draft.

“Sometimes, you roll the dice,” Knights general manager Mark Hunter told the London Free Press about Harrington, who has not committed to play major junior hockey. “He's one of the top couple of players in the draft. We’ll try to talk to him and see what happens.”

Kingston coach Evan Robinson said Harrington probably would have gone third in the draft, had he been more definite about whether his career path of choice would be major junior or the NCAA college route. Taking the advice of his agent, the legendary Hall of Famer Orr, Harrington is not about to make any rash decisions.

“[Orr] said, ‘It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,’” Harrington said, adding his idol counselled him to take enough time to make the right choice. Orr also passed along some other sage advice for the sixfoot, 175-pound up-andcomer.

“He said the off-ice things reflect what happens on the ice, so if you’re a good student and a good citizen then you’ll play better on the ice. He said to make sure your family comes first, and to keep doing things with your family.”

A Kingston native, Harrington credited his family, and particularly his dad for the support and development that’s brought him so far so fast. He took power skating lessons before ever being signed up for organized hockey.

The above-average skill came in handy when Harrington’s major bantam team folded from a lack of players, and he moved up to minor midget. Playing at a tournament in Hamilton, he caught the eye of scouts and player agents, which led to the “unbelievable” meeting with Orr. The rise continued when he signed with the Voyageurs.

“He’s a great player, and he’s been outstanding for us,” Robinson said. “He competes really hard, and he’s got a nose for the puck, especially around the net, and he’s gritty.”

“He goes for the high traffic areas without any type of fear.”

Harrington said the players on his team treat him like any other guy. He gets plenty of ice time, as well, which is probably why he was unfazed by being in the RBC Cup at such a young age. He still has to wear a full face mask.

“It’s great opportunity to go to the RBC Cup,” Harrington said. “I might not be able to ever do it again, so I want to take it in and enjoy it.”

No doubt, Orr would agree.