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OMHA Graduate Profile:
Mike Fisher - Ottawa Senators
Another OMHA graduate proved the NHL right for selecting him
in the entry draft. Mike Fisher was the Ottawa Senators' second
round choice in 1999 (44th overall), and showed he could make
the team, getting closer and closer to the first line every
year.
Article by Nadia Fezzani
But the real first test started around age five, when he took
lessons for a year prior to playing with the church league system
at age six. He then went through the AAA Peterborough Minor
Petes' program at seven years old to remain in its system until
the OHL's Sudbury Wolves drafted him, where he soon became the
team's captain.
Coming from a family where everyone participated in sports,
and a city where hockey is king, Mike's choice to play hockey
was an easy one.
"(Brother) Rob is a couple of years older and he played
obviously before me. My dad played a little bit and it was just
kind of the thing to do in Peterborough. All my buddies were
playing. I threw my skates on and I really enjoyed it,"
says Fisher.
This passion for the sport finally marked his childhood with
several rewards, like winning some of the OMHA Championships
and participating in the semi-finals as well. However, hockey
is more than just a game.
"Some of the most memorable moments are the weekend tournaments,
travelling to different cities and towns on bus trips, and just
being one of the guys was a lot of fun," he says.
"With the Minor Petes, I remember getting a [championship]
ring and I was pretty excited."
Although winning can be considered a luxury, Fisher showed that
the important part of playing hockey is always to give his best
at every occasion, as he did for the Under-17 Program of Excellence.
"I never ended up making the team but it was a good experience;
all the top guys, at our age, coming together. We practiced
and played, and it was fun. It was a great program, very competitive
and I learned a lot from it."
Like for many other OMHA players, winning a championship and
playing in the stars league are serious dreams.
" I think for most kids growing up playing hockey, there
is the dream and goal of playing in the NHL. I never knew or
expected to play in the NHL but I always worked my best and
tried to get better and I had a lot of fun doing it."
Fortunately, he and some other players he competed against
such as Rico Fata (NY Rangers) and Andrew Raycroft (Boston Bruins)
also made it to the NHL.
Growing up in Peterborough, Fisher was surrounded by current
NHL players such as Cory Stillman and Dave Roach. Stillman who
currently plays for the St. Louis Blues, recalls Mike's enthusiasm.
"He was fun to teach. Mike worked hard and had fun every
day. Everyone spoke highly of him. Mike was a very good hockey
player, and still is today," says Stillman.
The good minor hockey experience could be one of the reasons
why Fisher agreed to participate at Roger Nielson's world famous
hockey camp during this past summer.
"The camp is great for the kids. They learn a lot of skills
and and really enjoy how [Roger Nielson] coordinates the camp."
Mike credits attending hockey schools in Peterborough for his
Believer. "Sometimes in minor hockey I ended up missing
a practice or two to go to church. I felt it was an important
part of my life. We all know that there are more important things
than hockey. Growing up, I put God first and it is really fortunate
that I have the talent that he gave me."
While a Stanley Cup would be his next dream, he would not want
children to push themselves too hard at the OMHA level.
"Always think that the kids have to have fun. Just do
the best you can to get better. That is what I tried to do as
a kid; make sure I had fun and not put too much pressure on
myself. If you get your chance, things are going to work out
and if not, you'll find something else to do."
Mike Fisher is a great example of how hard work, determination
and strong personal beliefs can achieve positive results. He
is a great role-model for any young person growing up and a
lot of it has to do with playing hometown hockey.
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