Josh Ho-Sang just wants to play hockey.
The New York Islanders prospect, drafted 28th overall in 2014, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons during his development, most notably showing up late to the first day of training camp last season, drawing the ire of general manager Garth Snow.
But with a new season's camp around the corner, Ho-Sang is channeling everything he's learned from previous mistakes toward becoming a full-time NHLer.
Training at BioSteel Camp in Toronto, Ho-Sang says he's picked the brains of longtime friend Connor McDavid, along with Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin.
"I feel comfortable asking him (McDavid) questions," Ho-Sang told Luke Fox of Sporsnet. I found that when we played together, we do a lot of things similar. He thinks the game the way I do, but faster obviously. What he’s learned can be beneficial to me. I want to be as good as him or better."
"But it’s not just Connor. Tyler Seguin - I talk to him, ask him questions," Ho-Sang added. "It comes from a place of wanting to learn, to take what they know and become more effective. I’m picking apart the mind of one of the best goal-scorers in the world."
Ho-Sang recorded 82 points in 66 games with the OHL's Niagara Ice Dogs last season, tacking on 26 more points in 17 playoff contests. Despite those gaudy totals, he's aware it will take more than point production to patch his damaged relationship with the team that drafted him.
"Right now I’m like the girlfriend who cheated on them," Ho-Sang said. "I’ve got to earn their trust back. I feel I have to do that every day. Keep getting better. Keep showing them what I’m willing to do. There’s no day off. There’s not a practice I leave early. There’s not an optional skate I don’t skate at. It’s optional, but not for me."
"I believe I have the ability to make the team. I have to play well, and it’s not easy, man," he added.
Through all the off-ice controversy, Ho-Sang's says simply lacing up the skates is enough to block it all out.
"I love it. I need it. It’s my fix, my clarity. When I’m on the ice, I don’t think about anything," he said.
