Picture from the Sylvania Northview Hockey Website.
Wildcats goal tender Austin Gryca is on a mission to fully establish himself as one of the elite. At the conclusion of the Wildcats season Gryca proceeded north to Michigan, to test his skills at the Port Huron Falcons NAHL pre-draft tryouts. He emerged from that experience with a solid invitiation to the Port Huron 2011-2012 selection camp. That event is being conducted this weekend and head Coach Bill Warren is excited about the depth at the goaltender position.
In the draft the Falcons made a trade with the Amarillo Bulls so that Port Huron could acquire the 3rd overall selection. With that selection the Falcons choose Honey Baked stand out Max Milosek. Milosek went 11-1-4 with Honeybaked recording a 2.41 Goals against average. Making him one of the most competitive goalies in AAA.
Gryca emerged from the predraft with high praises, well earned. He was in the top 1% for physical conditioning, a statistic that every Northview fan can be proud of, and should know well. Every Northview player that has attended a Jr's try out camp, where physical testing was conducted, has been either the top rated or among the top rated in physical condiditoning. A fact that has been well noted among Division 1, 3 and Jr's coaches and staff. Its a tribute to work ethic, dedication and the health of the program. Gryca was no acception and the staff were equally astonished with his game play. Clearly indicated by his invitation to return, comments made and reenforced by being told he was in the top 2 at this camp, competing against other Jr and AAA veterans.
This week Austin is training hard and sharpening his skills with intensive on and off ice sessions. Austin is training with Jeff Lerg-image rights Detroit News
Jeff seen here wearing the C for Michigan State is one of only a select few goalies at any level to ever be a captain. Jeff made 3996 saves in his four career for the Spartans, many of them done with pure athleticism, earning a four average saver percentage of .921 and one National Championship in 2007 Defeating Boston College 3-1 where all three goals for the Spartans came in the 3rd period, where the Spartans will still out shot. Its no mistake that Gryca is training with Lerg. Both share many similar attributes from size to style of play, and attitude.
For Gryca his debut to the world of Jr hockey and that eliet level of competition has fueled his fire, and shown the another piece of the JR hockey and College world that there is much to be had in the way of prospects from North West Ohio, again.
The Port Huron Falcons selection is open to the public and free of charge. The camp is being held July 29th-31st at Hazel Park Ice Arena at 1555 East Woodward Heights Blvd., Hazel Park.
