KEMPTVILLE, Ontario — With the recent news of the Mississauga Steelheads signing defenseman Adam Barkley to a Standard Players Agreement, Jason York, Barkley’s former coach with the Kemptville 73’s, had nothing but auspicious things to say about the youngster.

Being a 13-year NHL veteran, it should go without saying that York has a plethora of invaluable experience under his belt. He uses this in his coaching career to teach and develop his young players to reach their full potential both on and off the ice. Barkley is no exception to this. But, when Barkley attended his first training camp with the CCHL’s Kemptville 73’s, his new coach could not be given a better first impression of the Inkleman, Ont., native.

“I’ll give you some insight on Adam,” York began. “He grew up on a farm and, I’ll tell you a good story, his first training camp with us, he had to work out after practice and Adam came to me and he said, ‘Do you mind if I leave right after the workout? I have to get home,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, no problem. What’s up?’ and he’s like, ‘Well, I got to go home and do all of my chores after.’

The former NHL blueliner was immediately impressed.

“Adam’s attitude overall, excellent,” York added. “Most hockey kids today, they’re good kids, but I’ll say this, they’re very privileged. They’ve got skills coaches; they’ve got all kinds of private lessons. They play hockey and that’s it. They don’t work…They go to school, and they play hockey and that’s it. Adam was playing, practicing, working out, then going home to work on his farm. So, to me, kids like Adam, especially today, are very tough to find. He’s got great parents, great family.”

York continued, explaining that while he was somewhat disappointed to see Barkley move on, he is extremely confident in what the future holds for the 18-year-old.

“I really wish he would have stayed with us because I think he would have gotten a scholarship and, to me, that’s the way to go because unless you’re a high first-round pick in the OHL, it’s tough,” York explained. “But I think with Adam’s attitude, the way he goes about his business, he’s going to do great wherever he is. He’ll fit in extremely well with Mississauga.”

While he will be adding a new element to the Steelheads, Barkley brought a lot to the table in Kemptville that helped the 73’s achieve success.

“When Adam was with Kemptville, I would say his biggest assets [were being a] very good skater, strong on the puck, and really good in the transition game,” York noted. “Great teammate — just a really good kid, which I say is really important because you need good, character players in your locker room and Adam, to me, he’s one of the best kids I’ve had.”

York mentioned that it is his work off the ice, connecting with teammates and the community, that truly set the youngster apart.

“I really, really enjoyed him and I was sad to see him go, but that’s a huge asset: he is a great teammate and a very good person. That, along with the skating abilities, he’s got good size and being a right-shot defenseman and having the ability to skate and transition the park is a really big asset. So, the skating, along with his size, I would say, are two very good assets.”

So, what parting words does Coach York have for Mr. Barkley?

“As far as advice goes, number one, don’t change,” he emphasized. “Because the person you are is why you’re able to go there as an older guy and make the team. Keep doing what you do. He works hard, he’s an extremely hard worker, and has a great attitude. So, just keep doing what he’s doing. Whatever Adam does in life, he’s going to be successful. I know that 100 percent. That’s something a lot of these kids– they’re all in it for the hockey, which is great, but unless you have a solid work ethic, a solid foundation and all those things, you better be careful, and with Adam, I’m not worried. I know he’s going to do great.”

The coach concluded with another thought.

“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m more concerned for these kids for what happens after hockey,” York admitted. “Hockey’s just a very, very small part of your life and Adam’s going to do great because of that work ethic, because of his humility, because of the kind of kid that he is. So, I think Mississauga is very, very fortunate to have a kid like him.”

Overall, there is plenty to feel excited about when it comes to Adam Barkley.

His on-ice talents aside, the native of Inkleman, Ont., is a natural hard-worker — a quality any team and any fan can wholeheartedly appreciate.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.