Owen Strahs, a right defenseman for the Geneva Cyclones Bantam Central States Prospects Team, scored the team’s first goal at a tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.
“I was able to walk the line to get a quick shot on net,” he recalled.
That play has helped build his confidence as he continues to develop his goal-scoring.
“I play with a strong focus on being a playmaker, always looking for opportunities to set up my teammates with a pass at the right time. I pride myself on making quick decisions on the ice, and this has been a growth area for me as I have moved to the bantam level,” he said. “I try to be physical on the ice, using my body to win battles along the boards and in front of the net.”
Strahs, 13, who lives in South Elgin, started as a forward “so I would have a chance to score goals,” he said. “I shifted to defense and really enjoy setting the tone for my team, being physical and making quick decisions with the puck. If the play allows, I enjoy skating the puck out of the zone to help facilitate our team getting more shots on net. I also enjoy working the puck along the blue line while on the powerplay, creating scoring opportunities for my teammates.”
Wearing jersey No. 79, Strahs is in eighth grade at Wredling Middle School, where he is an A/B honor roll student, maintaining a 3.4 GPA. He has been recognized twice with the school’s Redhawk Pride Award for kindness and willingness to help others.
He is an alternate captain for the Cyclones.
“I try to lead by example, working as hard as I can on and off the ice. I bring a positive attitude to the team and try to encourage everyone to be their best,” he said. “I am proud of my continued hockey development and getting the opportunity to play for the Cyclones. Last year, my team won the Nashvegas Fall Showdown, going undefeated. Our team this year has also done well in tournaments; I enjoy the challenge of playing teams from all over the country.
“I have really enjoyed the season. While we haven't won as many as we would have liked, my teammates and I have grown as players, learning from every challenge. We work hard to be positive and remain united, often spending time together outside of our team schedule. We played a lot of close games this year, which has helped us build confidence that we can compete with anyone if we stay focused.”
The Cyclones, for instance, played the second-place team in their division on the road and pulled off the upset, 2-0. “Our goaltender played incredible, making several amazing saves to secure the shutout victory,” he said. “One of my favorite moments this season was landing near back-to-back hip checks during a game. I was able to effectively manage the gap with the offensive players creating two turnovers. I enjoyed my teammates and coaches recognizing me for the effort.”
Strahs helps his on-ice play with work off-ice, such as shooting pucks in the family’s basement, stick handling at home and running on the treadmill. “I also like to watch our games on LiveBarn, looking for ways to improve,” he said.
Strahs jumped from baseball to hockey, opting for the fast-paced frozen sport. He was a second baseman and catcher. Baseball, he said, “helped build my hand-to-eye coordination and reaction time.
“Sometimes when I block shots (in hockey) it reminds me of playing catcher where I would knock down wild pitches and foul balls.”
Strahs also helps other Cyclones teams, demonstrating drills and simply supporting the mites and squirts.
Slapshots With ... Cyclones Defenseman Owen Strahs
Influences: “All my coaches have supported me and helped make me who I am today as a player. I appreciate how my coaches provide feedback to maximize my potential. They do this during practice or after a challenging play during a game. My teammates push me to be a better player; I have learned from their previous experiences, but also by communicating when we are on the ice and bench.”
Hobbies: “I love to go fishing with my friends and dad. I also have participated in my middle school fishing club. I like to experiment with different baits and trying to find secret ponds. My friends and I are always trying to out-do each other. My favorite fish to catch is largemouth bass. A lot of times when we travel for hockey tournaments we go explore Bass Pro Shop (stores) in-between games. I also enjoy traveling with my family. I like to go to Florida, spending time at Disney World and the beach.”
Long-term Goal: “Play at the highest level possible.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Raysmus Dahlin
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: The Mighty Ducks
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Motivational Song: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Spaghetti
Favorite app: LiveBarn
Celebrity You'd Like To Meet: Patrick Kane
Best Hockey Tip: “I really like a tip I got from Coach Frank Bisceglie. He taught me how to create more space at the blue line and deceive the defender by dipping my shoulder to fake the pass and then cut the other direction for a shot.”
Best Illinois Uniform (other than Cyclones): Firehawks or Windy City Storm