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I durhamrcgion THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ March 15,2006 ♦ Page 17 Siekris surprises TABRIÇLÆND CANADA'S LARGEST ^ cucumii farpip ihstpiriitob Rookie rearguard hopes to return to Generals next season BY SHAWN CAYLEY Staff Writer OSHAWA -- All the odds were stacked against Billy Siekris. He was never drafted by an OHL team. Tier II was the highest highest level of hockey he had ever played. And at 5-foot-ll, 194 pounds, he was thought to be a little undersized to play his preferred preferred role of a physical defend- er. However, tonight, on his I9th birthday, Siekris will suit up in his 58th game of the season for the Oshawa Generals. Heading into the season, there weren't too many people who thought a stay-at-home defender with no OHL experience would spend so much time on the ice for the Generals. Although his role has been heightened rnoreso out of necessity than design, that hasn't prevented the Markham resident from enjoying the spotlight. spotlight. "With the ice-time 1 have gotten, gotten, I have been able to step up to the plate," he said Sunday, following a 3-2 loss to the Belleville Belleville Bulls. "I have had lots of opportunities to show them (the Generals) what I can do. Hopefully Hopefully next year I can improve on that, work with that, and have a good year." His numbers aren't exciting, one goal, five assists and a -20 on the year, however, the fact he is playing big time minutes and gaining plenty of experience as a rookie should prove invaluable heading into the summer. "All the experience I can gain this year is just à bonus for next year," -he said of playing front line minutes with the Generals, "I know a lot of players in 'O' have tough rookie years, they are sitting out a lot, or not getting getting the ice time they'want. For FASHION FABRIC DISTRIBUTOR me though, I have kind of fallen into a role which has presented plenty of opportunities which will go a long way in helping me for next season." Generals coach Randy Ladou- ceur agrees. "With the (Bret) Nasby trade and the injuries that we have had to (Trevor) Waddell and (Eric) Regan, Billy has seen a lot more responsibility than he probably would have normally and he has handled that really well. He brings a bit of a physical presence which is something something that our team, needs. When he plays within his limitations, Billy can be a pretty effective player." Despite filling in admirably this season, where Siekris will fit in next season remains unclear. As it stands currently, the Generals's Generals's blue-line will have plenty of bodies to choose from , and only six or seven spaces to fill. "It will certainly have a lot to do with what we do over the summer," said Ladouceur on Siekris's chances of returning to the team. "Hopefully we are going to be a little deeper on the Billy Siekris back end, but he certainly has an opportunity to come in here next year and solidify his position." Siekris, while not taking anything anything for granted, knowing how hard he worked to get to this point, is hopeful of a return with the Generals. "This year I stepped into being the fifth or sixth defencemen, so hopefully next year I can do the same, or even maybe fifth or fourth (defencemen)," he said. "I'll do whatever it takes to stay on the ice." GENERALLY SPEAKING: Dale Mitchell shovelled home a loose puck in front of the Belleville Belleville goal on Sunday to give him 20 goals on the season, and a goal in each of the past four games. Brett MacLean (16) scored the other Generals goal... Carlo DiRienzo was solid in net, turning aside 31 shots... Whitby native John Hughes figured in on all three Belleville goals, scoring once... Captain Peter Tsimikalis (hip pointer) missed his second consecutive game, but hopes to return tonight against the Peterborough Peterborough Petes; Friday's shootout hero, "Kelly Thomson (flu), was out of the lineup. Trevor Waddell Waddell (back) was also out, while Lucas LaBelle, Brent Clarke and Scott Madden were healthy scratches...After tonight's game in Peterborough, the Generals have only two games remaining, ■Friday in Ottawa, and Sunday at home to Kingston at 6:05 p.m. Thursday MarchWth - 5Sunday [March iWth »With the coupon below receive up to 10 meters of ANY REGULAR priced Meric at 50% Off INCLUDES ALL - DRAPERY, QUILTING, BRIDAL BASIC B HOME DECOR FABRICS SEW A DREAM COUPON If VALID Thursday March 16th - Sunday March 19th 2006 j I ! 50% OFF 10 METERS OF ANY FABRIC j *' NO EXTENSIONS-PISCOUNTIS OFF THF REOVLAR PRICE '■ I ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NO FACSIMILES ALLOWED. COUPON CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. DISCOUNT IS OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE. IN STOCK MERCHANDISE ONLY. OFFER NOT GOOD ON PREVIOUS SALES. COUPON MUST BE SURRENDERED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. 10 METER MAXIMUM PER CUSTOMER PER PURCHASE TRANSACTION. REPRODUCTIONS NOT ACCEPTED. 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