It took three days but we finally have the official Surprise Of Camp.
There seems to be one every year at Guelph Storm training camp: that player not expected to make much of an initial impact but opens enough eyes and convinces enough people that they can play in the Ontario Hockey League.
This year's SOC is Barret Kirwin, a five-foot-eight, 175-pound centre from Barrie.
Kirwin was a sixth round pick in this year's OHL draft but has already been offered a contract by the Storm.
Storm general manager Mike Kelly said the contract has been agreed to, just not officially signed.
"We saw Barret as more of third round pick on our own ratings for the draft," Kelly said.
"We knew he would play for the Storm. We didn't know if he'd be ready for consideration this year, but he's had a strong first two days and we've offered him a contract."
Kelly said it has yet to be decided if Kirwin will start the season with the team or placed in junior B or tier II.
"We're real excited. We think he'll be a key part of our future."
Kirwin had 21 goals in 32 games and was captain of his Barrie minor midget team last year.
A lifelong Barrie Colts fan, he said it's a dream come true to play in the OHL.
"Going into camp, everyone has a good shot to make the team," Kirwin said. "I put it all aside and just worked my tail off and it's paid off pretty good."
He said he figured everyone had an even shot of making this squad. The fact that I was a sixth round pick didn't really affect the way he played."
"I was surprised a little bit, but relieved," he said of being signed. "I always wanted to play in the OHL when I was little."
Asked to describe his game, Kirwin said he is a well-rounded player.
"I can score. I can set up plays. I can do the little things that make a team better," he said.
Kirwin said his favourite player from the past is Bobby Orr, who stopped playing hockey 21 years before Kirwin was born.
"I really admired him. He was a level ahead of everyone and he was really humble," Kirwin said.
Kirwin was one of three 2000 birth year's kept by the Storm beyond two days. First rounder Ryan Merkley and third rounder Luke Moncada were the others.
More cuts were expected after Thursday's scrimmage in advance of an exhibition game Friday night at the Sleeman Centre against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
They play Saturday night in Hamilton.
