Dan Falloon
Luke Judson is hot property in a “Bull” market.
After getting a long look at the San Jose Sharks’ camp back in September, the Emo native was given full reins as captain of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls last month.
Judson, who will turn 19 this Sunday, explained that since he possesses a variety of skills in his toolbox, he hopes his play on the ice will inspire his teammates in some way.
“I try to lead by example the best I can,” said Judson, who has 19 goals and 12 assists to go along with 75 penalty minutes in 52 games this season.
“Do what I have to do on the ice, whatever that may be,” he stressed.
“I try to put the puck in the net, or dropping the gloves, and I try to be as sound defensively as I can.”
Bulls’ coach George Burnett also felt Judson’s all-around game was a key factor in his decision to hand him the captaincy.
“He scores big goals, he competes hard in the corners, blocks shots, fights, plays rugged against the other team’s better players, and sets a good example,” lauded Burnett.
“He’s not a real talker, but I think he sets a tremendous example for our younger players and is well-respected by our older players, as well.”
The Bulls were left without a captain when Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect Eric Tangradi graduated junior at the end of the 2008-09 season.
The team didn’t permanently sew the “C” on one player at first, rotating the role between Judson and defenceman Marc Cantin.
Judson was given the duty full-time when Cantin was dealt to Windsor back on Jan. 5.
“Just getting that ‘C’ was a big motivation for me,” he remarked. “It’s nice to get recognized as a leader all the time, and getting that ‘C’ was a huge honour.
“I’m glad I got the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The Bulls are in a rebuilding year this season, currently sitting in last place in the OHL’s Eastern Conference with 39 points.
It’s a sharp downturn for a team that won its division the previous three seasons—representing the OHL in the Memorial Cup in 2008.
“That’s junior hockey,” reasoned Judson. “We kind of expected to be losing a lot of guys this year.
“We’ve got a young team, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season and building off of a solid finish this year, and then we’ll get stronger,” he pledged.
Judson is optimistic about the 2010-11 season, which is his final year of junior eligibility.
Belleville’s current roster has only four players in their final year this season, meaning Judson and the Bulls are hoping to use their remaining 15 games as a springboard to a turnaround next season.
“There’s a lot of things to look forward to,” he enthused. “I don’t think there’s too many guys that are going to be moving on next year, so we’ve got a lot to build on with some good young players and a lot of speed.
“It’s going to be a good year next year.”
Judson and five others will enter their final season next year while well over half the roster is eligible for two more seasons. So the elder statesmen have a large role to play in forming the team for years to come.
“With the older guys I’ve known for a while, a couple years now here in Belleville,” noted Judson. “We spend a lot of time together, and with all the younger guys, all the older guys just try to make them feel a little more accustomed to the league and more comfortable around here.
“That’s what we’re going to need to be a strong group going forward,” he stressed.
Attending the Sharks’ camp also left an impression on Judson, making him realize what goes in to advancing to the NHL.
“It just showed me how hard you have to work to get to that level,” he remarked. “The determination you need to have to get that far.
“You realize how much effort they put in every day after practices, and most guys are in the gym day in, day out, and you’ve just got to have that sacrifice to get to the next level.”
Judson was able to hit the ice for a scrimmage with current goal-scoring leader Patrick Marleau, former Hart Trophy winner Joe Thornton, and Ryane Clowe while former Norris Trophy winner Rob Blake, Devin Setoguchi, and Douglas Murray donned opposing jerseys.
“Going into the main camp with a lot of the younger guys [was a highlight],” Judson enthused. “Me and probably six younger guys were in their own group, and the last day I got to go in with all the pro guys and scrimmage with them in front of a very good crowd, so that was exciting.
“Lining up and seeing some NHL guys across on my team and playing against them, too.”
Although Judson attended the Sharks’ camp, he went as an undrafted player, meaning he’s still free to join any franchise he chooses.
He has seen some San Jose scouts hanging around the Bulls’ games, but he is doing his best to concentrate on the OHL before the NHL.
“I’m not their property, but I know they’ve been around watching, and hopefully other teams, too,” observed Judson.
“That’s not going to be my focus right now,” he vowed. “I’m just looking ahead to another solid season in Belleville.”
