Strong start

Kitchener Rangers’ Filip Mesar adjusting to new league and added attention

Filip Mesar wasn’t going to average 2.3 points per game all season.

But the import’s strong start with the Kitchener Rangers — three goals and four assists in his first three games — certainly put the Ontario Hockey League on notice and sent the club’s fan base into a tizzy.

Things have quieted down for the Slovakian winger since then.

The Montreal Canadiens firstround draft pick is still dangerous but his production has slowed to the tune of nine points over his past 11 tilts, a stretch that also seen him go minus-10.

“I had a better start than I’m doing right now,” said Mesar. “We’re not playing very good as a team right now and I think that’s why I don’t have as many points as I want.”

The Rangers have struggled and are currently last in the OHL’s Western Conference with a record of 9-12.

Mesar has spent almost the entire season flanking Los Angeles Kings prospect Francesco Pinelli and the duo seemed to find its stride when power forward Mitchell Martin joined the unit.

But the trio was short-lived. Martin, who has 15 points in 13 tilts, is out with a wrist injury and not expected to return until mid- to late January while Pinelli is currently serving a three-game suspension for cross checking.

“I think me and Pinelli are good hockey IQ players and Martin has a really good shot,” said Mesar. “I think the chemistry was there, but we have to play without them now.”

Going from Olympic-sized ice in Europe to a smaller North American surface is a change both Mesar and Czech import Tomas Hamara (Ottawa Senators) have been fighting at times, according to Rangers coach Chris Dennis.

“I think he’s looking for space right now and on big ice you can find it on the outside,” the skipper said. “It’s different finding it on the inside on the smaller rinks and in tighter areas. I think he’s finding that the holes close up quicker.”

To help, Dennis has shown Mesar videos of how creative and skilled NHL players find space.

“He has to make plays and decisions faster,” said the coach. “He has to get available quicker. I think he is getting his way with puck possession, but it’s about points and getting inside. I think it’s coming.”

Mesar continues to log top minutes on the first line and power play where he has thrived with three goals and five assists.

He’s also getting more attention from foes.

“He’s getting everybody’s top defence and top lines,” said Dennis. “They are very concerned about him, as they should be. He’s got to do a job of finding some ice and we have to do a job of finding him when he does.”

Despite the team’s slow start, Mesar has high expectations.

He picked up two helpers in the team’s 8-4 thrashing of the Erie Otters on Sunday and hopes to carry that momentum into Friday’s game against the Windsor Spitfires at the Aud.

“I want to be a leader on this team,” he said. “I came here to help the team and myself. I think we have a lot of talented players and can still do something.”

Camps calling Mesar is expected to join Slovakia’s camp for the upcoming world junior hockey championships running in Halifax and Moncton from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. Slovakia is running a gathering back home with its players in Europe while North American skaters are expected to join the team by mid-December in Canada. Rosters have not been officially announced but the Rangers are also expected to lose Hamara to the Czechs in the tournament.

Hollet suspended The OHL slapped Rangers rearguard Ty Hollett with a three-game suspension for his role in a melee against London last Friday at the Aud. Hollett jumped a Knights player in defence of teammate Adrian Misaljevic who was hit from behind and into the boards by London defenceman Connor Federkow. Federkow received a minor penalty for boarding on the play.