When Harry Roy decided to leave prep school to play in the United States Hockey League this season, he did so with one big factor in mind.
Roy wanted to develop in the best Tier 1 junior league in the world. He wanted to push himself to get better night in and night out against some of the very best college prospects.
Through the first 22 games of his rookie season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Roy has two goals and five assists.
"It’s been awesome. I decided to come out to Cedar Rapids this year for developmental reasons. I didn’t come out here because it’s easy. I knew it was going to be a challenge," Roy said.
While the points haven’t come as frequently as they would have if he had stayed at Loomis-Chaffee, he’s getting his chances. Roy has 41 shots on goal and has shown the desire to go to the dirty areas to get chances.
"I’ve adjusted and am trying to get better every day. I’m trying to learn where to be and how to play in this league," said Roy.
While the 6-foot right wing looks to catch up to the skill of some of the elite players in the world, he’s narrowed the gap by going all out every practice, every shift and every time in the weight room.
"Since I’ve gotten here, my compete level (has improved). By being in this league, every single player on every single team is good. You’re facing a challenge every night. You’re going to get better because of that," Roy explained.
Cedar Rapids coach Mark Carlson always has been known as a coach who expects the most out of his players each night, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly when he applauds Roy’s work ethic.
"He’s worked extremely hard. He works his tail off every single day on and off the ice. He’s mentally tough. He wants to be coached. He’s a guy you can coach hard. He listens and executes," said Carlson, who played college hockey at UMass-Lowell.
Roy added, "If you want to succeed and have an impact, you have to make sure your compete level is high. There’s always someone right behind you trying to catch up. Having that intensity has brought my game up."
Roy is a good skater who can get up and down the wing. He’s always been a player who retrieves pucks and wins battles to loose pucks in all three zones. He’s the type of player who can generate scoring chances from anywhere.
"A full 200-foot player who sees the ice well," said Roy when asked of how he’d describe his style of play. "I want to make the right plays and I do best when building off the chemistry of my linemates.
"I’ve always prided myself in being a complete player. My vision and playmaking sense has been at a high level. I try to see things before they happen and I’m working on improving my shot," added the Lakeville, Mass., native.
Roy, who played previously for the Boston Bandits and Loomis-Chaffee, is committed to play college hockey for the University of Maine.
"During the recruitment process I visited a lot of schools. When I stepped on campus at UMaine, it was just my gut feeling. I loved it and wanted to go there," said Roy.
The tradition, the history, the fans and getting to play at Alfond Arena played a role in his decision to join the Black Bears, but he immediately grew fond of Red Gendron and Ben Guite.
"I have a lot of trust and faith in the coaching staff. They have NHL backgrounds. They know what it takes to win at a high level. The thing I liked the most is that they are huge character guys. Their integrity is huge and I want to play for coaches who are going to hold me accountable," said Roy.
Roy recently was selected to play in the USHL NHL Top Prospects Game next month in Kearney, Neb. His spot on the roster was a surprise to some, but he’s earned it with his play on the ice and his impressive showings in camps last summer.
"Being able to compete in a game like that is a huge honor. I’m very excited for the opportunity. I want to show that I can use my body and get to the scoring areas. I want to be willing to do what other guys aren’t," Roy commented.
"He’s very well-rounded," Carlson said. "He skates well and has good hockey sense. He has good hands and vision. It’s just a matter of putting weight on and getting stronger. There’s really nice upside. He’s made steady improvements since the beginning of the year."
