Cody HodgsonBRAMPTON, Ont. – One might think that, after returning to action with three games in four days, the Brampton Battalion’s Cody Hodgson would be ready for a little down time.
But Hodgson, a spectator for the Battalion’s first 50 games of the Ontario Hockey League season while recovering from a back injury suffered last July, was considering a power skating session Monday, a day after the Troops lost 4-1 to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds despite owning a 50-16 edge in shots.
“I feel pretty good, but I need to get back into game shape,” said centre Hodgson. “I’m not just practising now; I need to work hard every day to make sure I’m good to go. I’m pretty fatigued after those games, but I’ll get some rest.”
Battalion captain Hodgson earned two assists in his debut, a 4-2 home-ice victory Thursday night over the Erie Otters, and collected one assist in a 4-1 road loss Saturday night to the London Knights. He went without a point against the Greyhounds.
“It felt great to be back, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. We played some pretty good teams, and it was a big challenge to come back to. I think we have a great team here. We work really hard, and that’s always something we can build off. We have a lot of talent and skill. I see it in practice every day.”
In an unofficial tally, Hodgson had 10 shots on goal against Sault Ste. Marie, but one of his best scoring chances missed the net as he shot just wide trying to convert a pass from Sam Carrick on a first-period power play.
“It’s just timing. Hopefully it won’t be long before I’m burying those. I probably should have had four goals. We had the puck in their end most of the game. I had so many chances, especially right around the slot where normally I would take my time. I think I’m a little rushed right now.”
A Markham, Ont., resident who turns 20 on Feb. 18, Hodgson said his back felt fine after his first game action since a National Hockey League preseason outing with the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 27.
“It feels pretty good after three games, and as long as there are no setbacks I’ll be ready to go this week.”
With Monday an off day, Hodgson should get three days of practice with linemates Sean Jones and Scott Tanski and a chance to work with the power-play unit before a Friday night visit to the Sudbury Wolves.
“I like playing with those guys,” Hodgson said of left winger Jones and right winger Tanski. “We just need to capitalize on our chances. I was just filling in during practice before I came back. Now I can work with the same guys and get some chemistry going and we can pick up on each other’s tendencies. We have some big games ahead against good teams that are all fighting for a playoff spot.”
Hodgson also spent time on a line with rookie right winger Philip Lane, who scored against the Greyhounds.
“He’s a top-end player,” noted Hodgson. “He’s a big guy with a long reach, good hands and good speed. He’s fun to watch and great to play with.”
The Troops have outshot their last four opponents 186-92 while forging a won-lost-extended record of just 1-2-1.
“I think we’d worry if we weren’t getting chances,” said Hodgson. “We’re trying a lot of things, and I think our power play is getting ready to click. We’ll start getting bounces going our way. We’re not getting down. It’s disheartening not to score a lot as a team, but we’re doing the right things.”
