Overage winger looking forward to being a leader on a team that got its first pre-season win Saturday night, a 3-1 decision over Brampton

New Guelph Storm overage winger Ethan Miedema sounds legitimately thrilled with his new surroundings.

The six-foot-four, 215-pound Miedema was acquired from the KIngston Frontenacs for draft picks in June.

“I was ecstatic,” he says of his reaction to the trade. “This was my number one spot, I really wanted to be here. Just a young group of guys that are up and coming. It’s an exciting group and I’m very happy to be here.

“I wanted to be here. Super happy to be here and it’s not even September and I’m loving the guys.”

Miedema said  it has helped that the trade was done early in the summer and not mid-season. It gives him time to settle and adjust without the upheaval and shock a mid-season trade can be.

“That was the plan. I wanted to do it without waiting. Wanted to get it over and done with and I was lucky enough that they were able to figure (the trade) out.”

Miedema played a key role in the Storm’s 3-1 pre-season win over the Brampton Steelheads Saturday night at the Sleeman Centre, setting up Leo Serlin at the side of the net on an abbreviated two-on-one midway through the third period for what would prove to be the winning goal.

First round pick Jaakko Wycisk had Guelph’s other two goals, including a beauty late in the third that saw him dance through three Steelheads before rifling a shot top shelf to make it 3-1.

Colin Ellsworth was rock solid in the Guelph net, making 35 saves.

Miedema, born in BC but who grew up in the Windsor area, was the fourth overall pick in the 2021 OHL draft. He was later drafted, but unsigned, by the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.

He had 23 goals and 57 points last season for Kingston.

He is one of two overagers on the Storm right now, joining Charlie Paquette, a player he grew up playing against for several years in the Windsor area.

A leadership role is something he gladly accepts and recognizes.

“I think it just happens. When I was younger playing hockey I was always a leader and a captain. I want to continue that leadership here with a young and exciting group,” Miedema said.

He said Saturday’s win was a nice confidence booster in front of a pretty decent pre-season crowd, “showing them we are going to be a better team than last year.”

Guelph plays Brantford in Ayr on Monday afternoon.