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( PAGE 14 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003 www.durhamrcgion.com Ben Eager to show he's changed his ways Oshawa Generals veteran forward vows to 'pick his spots' Ben Eager seems to have matured a few years in a few months. Perhaps as important as contributing contributing three goals and five points to the Oshawa Generals' perfect three- game road trip to start the Ontario Hockey League season. Eager spent only four minutes in the penalty box. After missing 10 games to suspension suspension and taking many an untimely untimely penalty among the 2I6 minutes he racked up last season, Eager appears to understand he can help the Generals Generals in a much more constructive way. Brian McNair Staff Editor bmcmirfadurhamn'gionxom "l think obviously I have to be a bit more disciplined and pick my spots better," says Eager, who had 16-24-40 numbers in 58 games last season. "I fought the last two years quite a bit. Hopefully I can worry about offence a bit more this year and play 68 games and 60 minutes a night." The early reviews arc glowing from George Burnett, the team's coach and general manager, who made Easier the ninth overall pick in the 2000*0 H L draft. Burnett was most impressed Eager refused to drop the gloves with Sarnia tough guy Marco Caprara in Friday's game against the Sling. Caprara ended up taking a minor, major and 10-minute misconduct misconduct while Eager went scot-free and the Generals capitalized on the power play. Eager later scored his first goal of the season as the Generals won 3-2 over Sarnia, which entered the season season ranked third in the country by 'The Hockey News.' "I thought he showed some great decision-making in not getting in volved Friday." Burnett says. "I thought he was our best player in Sarnia." It's a big season for Eager. Among hiss objectives are playing a more crucial role for the Generals, landing a spot on Canada's national junior team and impressing the Phoenix Coyotes enough to earn a contract from the team which drafted him 23rd overall in 2002. If he plays to his potential, he could easily score a hat trick in that regard. A 19-year-old power forward with pro speed and size - lie's 6-foot-2 and 2I5 pounds - Eager needs only to work on the mental side of his game to realize his dream of playing in the National Hockey League. ••I've got lo show them (the Coy- otes) that I can play tough and play a good solid game, put up a lot of numbers." he says. "Hopefully I can make the world junior team. I think that would be a great stepping stone to gel lo the next level." As for the Marco Capraras of the world, don't expect big Ben to back down every time. He simply hopes to skate a physical physical fine line a lot more successfully this season. "I know the refs are still watching me with a bit closer eye. but I've just got to play my game, get my hits and stand up for my teammates," he says. "I'm not going to change my game. I'm just going to pick my spots better better and stay in the lineup." Durham College comes up empty in Can-Am Classic final DURHAM - Mohawk College had a little more left in the tank by the time it hooked up with host Durham College for a second time at the Can-Am Classic on the weekend. weekend. The Lords earned their way to the championship game by winning four straight games, including an 8-2 win over Mohawk in pool play, but were shut down by pitcher Crystal Ecker- sall in the gold medal game. Eckersall pitched the Hamilton ; school to a 5-0 win and improved her tournament record to 4-0, earning earning top pitcher honours in the process. Durham's Karen McWilliams was named top batter after leading the Lords to silver by going 8 for 16 in the five games. After having Friday night's action action rained out, the Lords posted a perfect record Saturday, winning 12- 2 over Canadore, 8-2 over Mohawk and 7-0 over Michigan's Mott College. College. Durham then edged Robert Morris of Illinois 5-4 in the semis. CLARINGTON ORIOLES BASEBALL CLUB ANNUAL AGM The Clarington Orioles would like to invite members of the Orioles and the Public to the Annual General Meeting • WHEN: Tuesday, October 7th, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. • WHERE: Garnett Richard Complex •WHAT HAPPENS: 1. Will vote on any constitutional changes. 2. The voting members of the Orioles will vote to elect a new executive for the upcoming year. 3. Also there will be a question and answer period. • WHO CAN VOTE: All members of the Clarington Orioles baseball Club, which includes players, coaches, parents or guardian of players, the executive and any lifetime member. Got a good story? Call the sports desk at 905- 579- 4400 Oshawa & w We offer a variety of programs: • Kids' Skate • Canpower • Canskate • Learn to Skate Programs • Figure Skating - Beginners to Competitive • Pairs • Power Skating FINAL REGISTRATION North Oshawa Arena Sept. 24 & 25 ~ 6 p.m.-8 p.m. For further information, call (905)-432-2934 or Suzanne at (905) 666-1724 Keeping an eye on the action Canadian Statesman sports New Shipment ARRIVING at WAL*MART our lowest prices of the season on these tires during Sears Days Excludes special order tires f ONTARIO'S DRIVE CLEAN ACCREDITED TEST AND REPAIR CENTRES for more Information call 1-888-750-2999 www.dnvcclean.com NE095A303 0 2003. Sears Canada Inc.