In the mire of the RoyalsB次元官网网址� recent rejig adding high-profile WHLers Alex Forsberg and Greg Chase, life has been less flashy for 16-year-old Dante Hannoun.
The kid from North Delta has quietly turned into a responsible fourth line centre, and is in the midst of an ideal rookie season in the WHL.
It didnB次元官网网址檛 start out that way, as there were no guarantees Hannoun, the RoyalsB次元官网网址� 11th overall pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, would pan out as a guaranteed starter with 20 games remaining in the regular season.
B次元官网网址淚t was a struggle to teach him at the beginning but heB次元官网网址檚 improved a lot,B次元官网网址� said assistant coach Enio Sacilotto. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 faster, stronger and more confident since the start of the season.B次元官网网址�
Gifted players such as Hannoun arenB次元官网网址檛 forced to be as defensively responsible at the younger levels, where their skill level allows them to compensate for mistakes, Sacilotto said. Not only do they have to learn that part of the game, they have to do it while adjusting to the pace and structure of the WHL game.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just moving my feet, always, thatB次元官网网址檚 been the biggest thing from the start, otherwise I wonB次元官网网址檛 be playing,B次元官网网址� Hannoun said. B次元官网网址淭he first half of the season I was a little nervous, but now I know what to expect. IB次元官网网址檓 better prepared and getting ready for the playoffs.B次元官网网址�
The Grade 11 Vic High student scored his first goal versus the Kamloops Blazers on Sept. 27 and his second didnB次元官网网址檛 come until Dec. 28 against the Prince George Cougars. But thereB次元官网网址檚 no worry, said Sacilotto. HeB次元官网网址檚 just another 16 year old who will find his offensive game in time.
B次元官网网址淩ight now itB次元官网网址檚 just a focus on defence and if you find those open spots offensively, you tackle them,B次元官网网址� Hannoun said.
Over the course of the recent three-game road trip to Washington, Hannoun centred Jack Palmer, Jared Dmytriw and Brandon Fushimi, though it fluctuates as players cycle through the lineup.
Last week, Hannoun made his first appearance for the Royals in Portland, where he played Winterhawks great Nic Petan. The two are first cousins. Petan, property of the Winnipeg Jets, let Hannoun win a face-off B次元官网网址� the first and last time the RoyalsB次元官网网址� rookie will get any favours against the Winterhawks.
DanteB次元官网网址檚 big brother Demico (1995) is committed to Michigan Tech (NCAA Div. 1) next year. He has 35 points in 42 games with the powerhouse Penticton Vees, dominating the B.C. Hockey League with a record of 37-7-4.
- The RoyalsB次元官网网址� have three 1998-born players on the roster, forwards Dante Hannoun and Jared Dmytriw, and defenceman Ralph Jarratt.
reporter@saanichnews.com
