As of Sunday, Nicholas Guberman was tied for first on the Oil Caps with nine goals with Josh Lehto and Davis Chorney. His output placed him tied for first with Lehto among MJHL rookies. Two times already this season Guberman has found the back of the net twice in one game.
“For me, I feel like my hard work allows me the opportunity to score,” the 18-year-old said. “Mix that in with great linemates and a little bit of luck and that’s probably the reason I have been able to score this year.”
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound forward had 13 points in 21 games, as of Sunday. He has had four multi-point outings so far this season.
“Nick is a very skilled young player,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “He has an ability to score, which we are starting to see a little more regularly. He thinks the game at a high level and is dangerous when he is focused on attacking the net and having a shoot first mentality. We will look to him to continue to provide offence as he learns the game at this level.”
The team picked up Guberman in a three-way deal before the season started. He is part of the Oil Caps’ crop of talented rookies. As of Sunday, the team had three of the MJHL’s top eight rookie scorers: Josh Lehto (third, 16 points), Nolan Chastko (fourth, 16 points), and Guberman (eighth). Naton Miller was 23rd with eight points. In addition, Ethan Guthrie was fourth among MJHL rookie defencemen with seven points. Netminder Owen LaRocque was ranked fourth in rookie goals against average with a 2.67 GAA.
The Oil Caps newcomers have had to adjust in their own ways to the Junior A game. Guberman spent time in the U18 AAA ranks with the Winnipeg Bruins and Winnipeg Wild before playing last season at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio.
“In general, the Junior A game is a lot more structured than the prep game was,” Guberman said. “Last year it felt like all of our games were run and gun with very little structure. Also, the Junior A lifestyle is a lot different. My main focus is hockey when last year I would be up at 7:30 doing a full day of school and then heading to the rink right after the school day is over to play in a game.”
Guberman billets with Lana Hutchison. He is enjoying his time with the Oil Caps and appreciates the support the team receives from the entire town.
“It is a pretty cool feeling when people all around town recognize you and congratulate you after a win,” Guberman said. “I also have loved the team. Each day we are together is a great time and we grow closer every day.”
