Findlay expected to make impact for Brahmas in post-season

Soo Greyhounds winger makes pro debut tonight

He may be one of the youngest skaters on the ice tonight at the Allen Event Center, but 19-year-old Brett Findlay won't be thinking of age or experience in his professional debut for the Texas Brahmas. 

"It's a chance for me to show my stuff," Findlay told The Sault Star. "I'm going to do the best I can and hopefully impress somebody." 

Findlay has been an impact player since joining the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds as a free agent in 2010. Known as a power skater with a quick-release shot, excellent vision, with an innate ability to make things happen, the Echo Bay, Ontario native was second in scoring for the Greyhounds this season, notching 56 points (20 G, 36 A) with 44 penalty minutes. 

As an OHL rookie last season, Findlay was one of the most productive players on a talent-rich Greyhounds squad - he tallied 44 points (20 G, 24 A) in 57 games. 

"When he gets the puck, something happens," former Hounds head coach Denny Lambert said. "He's a gifted player. He's not an energy guy, he doesn't run people over. But he can skate and he has vision and he does a lot of things most people can't do." 

Exactly the qualities the Brahmas were looking for to help make a difference in the playoffs this year. When his agent told him of the Brahmas interest last week, Findlay jumped at the opportunity.

"They want me to be the second-line center and play a scoring role," Findlay said of the Brahmas' plans for him. "Hopefully, that's what I can bring." 

Findlay will become the fifth Hounds player to enter the pro ranks since the regular season ended. Goaltender Jack Campbell (Texas Stars), winger David Broll (Toronto Marlies), centre Nick Cousins (Adirondack Phantoms) and defenseman Ryan Sproul (Grand Rapids Griffins) are all with American Hockey League teams.

Findlay will be playing against a former Greyhounds teammate, Americans defenseman Dylan King, who played 13 post-season games with Allen last year. This season, King contributed eight points (4 G, 4 A) and 55 PIM in 48 games played and earned an eight-game call-up to the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters.

Photo Credit: Soo Greyhounds