Gennaro’s second-half surge gets Raider recognized

“I’ve been told from different people and NHL scouts that some of them aren’t able to see past my first half of the season and it was kind of hard for them to let that go. But there’s a few of them out there, quite a few, that believe in what I did in the second half,” said Gennaro, who turned 18 years old on March 30. “They believe there’s potential for me. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it’s no big deal. I’m not going to let it affect me.

“If I don’t get drafted, hopefully I can get an (NHL) camp invite but even if that doesn’t happen, I’m not going to let that hinder my game. I’m really going to work extra hard, come back next year, really put on a show and have an excellent year next year.”

Gennaro believes his connection with Raiders head coach Marc Habscheid had a lot to do with his second-half turnaround. Since Habscheid took over the coaching duties on Nov. 1 to replace Cory Clouston, he gave Gennaro a lot more responsibility on the team. Habscheid trusted Gennaro with more chances to play in crucial situations in the game, as well as more time on both special teams.

“A lot of it was the opportunity the coaches gave me,” said Gennaro. “I built a strong relationship with Marc Habscheid and credit to him, he really took the time with me off the ice to clean up some small details in my game. He highlighted a lot of things in my game I didn’t really know I could excel at.

“He believed in me. It was nice to get that opportunity from him.”

For Habscheid to return to the Raiders, he’ll need to pen an extension with the team as his contract was just for this season. Habscheid is reportedly looking for an extension so he could stay in Prince Albert.

“I really hope he does,” said Gennaro. “He’s probably the best thing that’s happened for me, in my own personal game. He’s a great guy, I didn’t find anything wrong with him at all.

“He handles himself professionally, he treats everyone equally and he’s an easy going guy, really sociable. People seem to love him in the town and I really thought he was a good fit for Prince Albert.”

Of course, Gennaro isn’t the only Raider hoping to get picked by an NHL club. He’s one of five Raiders recognized by NHL Central Scouting. Defenceman Brendan Guhle is ranked 56th and forward Reid Gardiner is 162nd among North American skaters. Nick McBride is listed 7th and Rylan Parenteau as 17th among North American goaltenders.

“We have lots of guys out. Credit to all of them, I’m rooting for all them too,” said Gennaro. “They’re great buddies of mine, they’re all great people. It would be nice to see those guys get drafted too.”

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Gennaro’s second-half surge gets Raider recognized

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