Zack Dorval deserves a real shot


By
May 10, 2016

I am of the notion that even though Zack Dorval has struggled his first two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, the rugged forward is going to develop into an impact player.

Two springs ago, at the 2014 OHL draft, the Kingston Frontenacs used their second-round pick to select the fibrous forward from the Soo Thunder minor midgets.

But with just four goals in 94 games through two seasons as a spot player, Dorval has yet to live up to expectations in Kingston, though it can be said that the 1998 birth-year skater has not had much playing time to show what he can do.

And I am not alone in my regard for Dorval.

I know of at least two OHL teams that tried to pry the little-used Dorval away from Kingston during the 2015-2016 season but the Frontenacs would not part with the 6-foot, 190-pound youngster, who hails from the remote northeastern Ontario town of Hearst.

I am not sure if Frontenacs coach Paul McFarland has an issue with Dorval. I can’t see how or why he would, given that Dorval is known for his character, work ethic, compete level and attitude — all of which are very good.

But it bothers me — and others — when a good player like Dorval gets buried on the depth chart of a team like Kingston that was 15 forwards deep during the 2015-2016 season.

And to top it off, while a kid like Dorval got splinters from sitting on the bench and watching from the stands, the Eastern Conference-leading Frontenacs underachieved in the second round of the playoffs when they were swept — yes, swept — by the fourth-seeded Niagara IceDogs.

Dorval still has time on his side at the OHL level. He has time to develop into the hard-nosed power forward that many feel he can be, if given the chance.

Thus far, through two seasons, McFarland hasn’t given Dorval much of a chance.

And if Kingston isn’t going to give Dorval a real shot to contribute and develop, then the Frontenacs should do what is right and give the kid a fresh start with another OHL team.

PHOTO: Zack Dorval, in action with the Kingston Frontenacs. (Photo by Postmedia.)


What you think about “Zack Dorval deserves a real shot”

  1. I agree give the young man the time on the ice to show his true potential It is the teams loss when any player is chosen to sit on the bench. A good coach shines through his players.

  2. I wish we had this kid playing for us. Seen him play with the Sault Midgets and in the O with Kgn = he plays with “heart” and has skill. We willl gladly take him for the Wolves uniform.

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