By John Boldrick
Nerves are a part of sports that will never go away, especially if it’s your debut in front of a crowd of over 2,000 people.
That is the situation Michael Cramarossa faced Wednesday night at the Yardmen Arena. It was the 16-year-old’s Ontario Hockey League debut, as he suited up for the Bulls, filling in for pre game scratch Niki Petti.
“It was quite nerve racking at first but after I got a shift in I thought it was a bit easier, but (still) obviously hard because it’s OHL, but it went well,” said Cramarossa.
In his first game, Cramarossa didn’t try to do too much, instead focusing on the essentials of the game and trying to contribute any way he could.
“It could be better, obviously, I just tried to do the little things right, I tried to play the defensive zone,” he said.
Coming from the St. Michael’s Buzzers of The Ontario Junior A Hockey League, the Markham native had played junior hockey before, although OHL hockey is different entirely.
“It was a whole different level. It’s way quicker. Obviously with minor midget you have more time to think but in this pace there’s no time to think, you’ve got to be on your heels at all times,” he said.
The addition of Cramarossa to the starting line-up didn’t come as much of a surprise. He had a feeling his OHL debut was imminent.
“I was wearing the fourth line jersey yesterday (in practice) so there was a slight chance that I would have played,” he said, “Since this morning I was ready to play.”
He was not the only Cramarossa family member on the ice. Older brother Joseph is currently in his second year with the team (he was acquired from Mississauga). Michael credits Joseph for helping him develop as a player.
“He helped a lot because he was such a good role model growing up. Ever since we were young he’s done great things to help me in hockey,” said Michael.
Joseph was quick to congratulate his little brother on his performance in the game.
“I thought he did pretty good actually. He got in there with a few of the top lines here and there and he was working hard so good for him and hopefully good things will come,” he said.