Continuing his hockey adventure out east, Sudbury defenceman Patrick Musico was recently recognized as one six players named as Eastlink North Players of the Week in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League).

Acquired at the trade deadline last February by the Fredericton Red Wings, the 20 year-old blueliner is off to a quick start, recording three points in his first five games, including his first goal of the season.

After suiting up with the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves for the 2017-2018 campaign, the product of the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association ventured east, suiting up in 29 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QJMHL the following year.

He would split the 2019-2020 season largely between the Grand Falls Rapids and Fredericton Red Wings, all while appearing in another seven games with the Sea Dogs. And with one year of junior eligibility remaining, it was full steam ahead for a return to New Brunswick a few months back.

"For me, it was about still having a huge passion for playing hockey," Musico stated recently. "Playing all these years, I had worked so hard, why would I let a pandemic stop me now. It kind of motivated me to work harder by myself and stay with my training."

"I slacked off for a few weeks, but then I started going a little crazy and was training non-stop. I'm hoping this may set me up to go university hockey next year - U Sport would be awesome."

To do so, Musico realized that he needed to continue to round out his game, projecting himself as something of a two-way threat on the ice. "I would say that my offensive ability has always been really strong," he said. "But as a defenceman, you always have to think defense first."

"I always have to keep that in mind and keep working on my defensive play, especially to play at the U Sport level against guys that are older than me. Being able to keep up against their speed and size is definitely something I am going to have to keep working on."

Like all of junior hockey, the MHL was shut down last March, with Musico making the trek back to Sudbury. "But at the end of July, I moved back out to the Maritimes, just to be able to get back on the ice," he said.

"Before that, it was just weights, the treadmill and roller blades, outside - my own little training circuit."

Competing in a mini-division with both the Edmunston Blizzard and Grand Falls Rapids, Musico and company will face each of those opponents eight times each. "Thankfully, we've been able to still have contact and we still play a few different teams."

Having made the move south to suit up with the North Central Predators in his draft year after not cracking the roster of the local minor midget AAA squad, Musico is more than happy to share a simple message with his younger teammates and prospects.

"Stay positive with yourself," he said. "Sometimes, you will be in a situation where you are good enough, but stuff won't go your way. Just stay positive through the ride."

In other Sudbury-related MHL news, the week after Musico being honoured would see local product Jordan Spadafore (Miramichi Timberwolves) and former OHLer Owen Gilhula recognized in similar fashion.