Question: What do Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nick Suzuki and E.J. Paddington have in common? Answer: They’re all Canadian hockey studs. While the first three guys have been dominating in the NHL for a number of years, the next generation – perhaps, the next Connor Bedard is already lighting up the stat sheets in Canada.
If you aren’t familiar with the name E.J. Paddington, rest assured that his opponents in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) know exactly who he is. Paddington, a forward and alternate captain for the Thunder Bay North Stars (Ontario), is just 17 games into his second year of SIJHL Junior A hockey. He is the league leader in points (31), assists (20) and is fourth in goals (11). He is leading his team with a nasty 1.82 PPG.
Skating on their backyard rink from the age of three years old with his older sister, Alexis, who is a junior forward for the Minnesota State Mavericks Women’s hockey team, E.J. has developed into a dangerous player to face. He played in 47 games during his rookie season last year with the North Stars tallying 23 points. In less than a third of games played this year, he has already surpassed his point total from last year. At his current pace, he is projected to score close to 90 points in 49 games on the season!! Ninety points in an 82-game NHL season would be considered a fantastic year!!
At 6’3 and 205 lbs., Paddington credits higher confidence and more ice time for his point surge to begin the season. Though he said he hasn’t changed his game much from last year, he described himself as a “power forward with good vision” who hangs around in front of the net. It’s been working so far – no change in his game is needed, obviously. “Play my game, lead by example and play the right way” is what his goals are for each game. A leadership hat-trick, if you will. Without question, he is doing all of those things so far this year.
When he’s not dominating on the ice, Paddington is studying accounting and finance in college. He is a part-time student, which allows him to keep his NCAA eligibility intact. So, he puts up the numbers on the ice and counts them off the ice. Just as impressive, is how humble and grounded Paddington is. He was quick to give appreciation to his teammates, coaches and parents for giving him opportunities and making sacrifices for the good of the team. About his parents, Dave and Carolyne, EJ said that his parents “attend every home game and take off from work to attend his games on the road” – making trips around Canada and into Minnesota and Wisconsin as well. Of course, that’s in addition to driving into the United States to watch Alexis play for Minnesota State. Little brother, Ben, is the next hockey great in the family – meaning even more road trips.
As a 2021 OHL draft pick of the Soo Greyhounds, E.J. has been gaining attention with his play on the ice. While he dreams of playing in the NHL someday, he isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s paying his dues, practicing a grueling 4-5 times a week and playing 1-2 games each weekend. He also has had the benefit was watching his older sister, Alexis at Minnesota State and he’s hoping to follow a similar path with a U.S. college.
That hard work began paying off in particular in last season’s playoffs when he saw increased ice time. The North Stars were behind in the semi-finals three games-to one against the Dryden GM Ice Dogs. The North Stars had their backs against the proverbial wall. Paddington, who had six goals and 11 assists in the playoffs, and his team came back in the series and won Game Seven in double-OT to advance to the championship. Unfortunately, they could not bring home the Bill Salonen Cup in the championship series after losing to the Kam River Fighting Walleye.
Success for Paddington and the North Stars has continued this season as they are currently on a 10-game unbeaten streak after securing a 5-0 victory Saturday night over Kenora. The Stars currently sit are three points behind first place Kam River with a 11-4-1 record. Clear as an Ontario night sky in November, a special season is happening for Thunder Bay’s brightest star.
The Morning Skate 