| NAME: |
Patrick Eaves |
| NHL/AHL: |
Ottawa Senators / Binghamton Senators |
| POSITION: |
Right Wing |
| HT: |
5-11 |
| WT: |
174 |
| BIRTHDATE: |
May 1, 1984 |
| BIRTHPLACE: |
Fairbault, Minnesota |
| COLLEGE: |
Boston College |
| DRAFT: |
NHL 2003 Draft - 1st round (29th OA) |
| SHOOTS |
Right |
The 2005-06 edition of the Ottawa Senators media guide doesn’t even include right wing Patrick Eaves among the first tier of players. Look for that to change next season. Eaves deserves to have his own two-pager.
Eaves played the 2004-2005 season for the Boston College Eagles, leading the team in scoring with 48 points, including 19 goals.
Patrick started this season with the Binghamton Senators in the American Hockey League, but has since made his NHL debut and has played 33 games up to the Olympic break. He has 11 goals and 16 points.
Eaves has gone from mid-terms and frat parties to charter planes and team functions. His progress on every level has been quick and impressive.
“Players up here help your development faster, they’re all so good,” Eaves said of his quick jump to the NHL.
“Everyday in practice you’re playing against the best players… I’m excited to go out there. I love practice. It’s so hard and everyone’s so good. I’ve progressed a little faster than I thought I would but that’s because of everyone around me.”
The speed of the game has been the biggest difference from College and the AHL for Eaves.
“The puck moves a lot faster and the guys are so much bigger and stronger. The overall pace you can really notice. You have to be sharp every night. Everyone is so good you have to make a great play to be noticeable.”
Eaves progressed to the top line, where, along with Jason Spezza, he got an assist on Dany Heatley’s winning goal in a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in the Senators’ last game before the break.
“I feel like I’m getting better every night and if I keep improving and feel I’m helping this team out, I’m happy.”
Count coach Bryan Murray and general manager John Muckler, along with the rest of the Senators organization, happy as well.
- Darren Desaulniers
