Josh Ho-Sang isn't ready to call himself a veteran, especially with only 21 games of NHL experience. But on the first day of minicamp for prospects at the Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, N.Y., Ho-Sang said he is embracing a mentorship role for the first-time participants.
"It's nice to give to the newer guys what I received from all the older guys," said Ho-Sang, the Islanders' 2014 first-round pick who had 10 points with the team at the end of last season. "That exchange in your role, it's a little bit different."
After making headlines in training camp in 2015 for arriving late and subsequently getting sent back to junior hockey, Ho-Sang has produced at all levels and hopes to perform well enough this summer that the Islanders won't think twice about his status as a pro.
"There's still a lot of moves they can make, and for me, I just want to come in as strong and as fast as possible and kind of not make it a decision for them ... just 'Josh is ready,' " he said.
Coach Doug Weight said the 21-year-old Ho-Sang showed flashes of what he's capable of last season and was pleased with the way he played.
"He had some blips and he responded well, and I think that's a key for a young guy, and especially Josh," Weight said. "We have to continue to work with Josh and push him in all facets, on and off the ice."
Ho-Sang expressed excitement in the organization's acquisition of Jordan Eberle from Edmonton last week, hoping that the veteran wing will be a source of knowledge.
"Jordan Eberle's actually been one of my favorite players throughout my career," Ho-Sang said. "I love what he did in Edmonton. I think that he's a tremendous player, and I'm super excited to get a chance to talk to him and pick his brain a little."
