Aces forward Jesse Felten knows space on the ice this season isn’t going to come through intimidation tactics.
To succeed in pro hockey, the 22-year-old, who stands in at 5′9 and 165 pounds knows he has to have a few endearing qualities to make a career out the game he’s spent his entire life playing.
Luckily, he’s got NHL-caliber speed and has been playing against bigger players his entire life.
“I come from a big family,” said Felten. “I was adopted and have 16 brothers. There are 23 of us all together. 10 of us were in hockey at one time. It’s a huge thing in our family.”
Add in a wicked release and some solid stick handling ability and it’s easy to see that Felten has the potential to be a star in his first season in pro hockey.
Calm and cool, Felten too sees himself playing a big part in the Aces offensive attack this season.
“I see myself scoring a point a game,” he said. “I think it’s something that I can do. I’m really excited to get an opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”
During the team’s first practice last week, Felten seemed more than comfortable on the ice, looking like another speedster, former Islander Jason Blake. Buzzing and drawing defenders with every stride, Felten wasn’t shy about calling for the puck in the neutral zone either, looking eager to bring the biscuit into the offensive zone and create. Much like Blake, with his speed, Felten should also see considerable time on the penalty kill this season and will be a serious shorthanded threat.
“He can kill penalties and score if he has to,” Aces coach Chris Firriolo said after interrupting Felten when he was asked about his penalty killing prowess. “He scored a few shorties a few years ago when he was with me.”
Registering an impressive 35 goals and 63 points in only 49 games, while playing for Firriolo with the Oswego Admirals of the OPHL in 2006, Felton knows he’s going to fit right in with the coach’s high puck pursuit game this season.
“I’ll play wherever they need me to,” Felten, who models his game after former Ranger Martin Straka, said. “There are a lot of guys trying to fit in right now, but I know what I’m capable of.”
Scoring 32 points in only 24 games with Briercrest College last season, Felten proved his first season with Firriolo was no fluke. With one season of college hockey under his belt, Felten then got a call from his old coach this summer and felt the time was right to turn pro.
An admitted small town boy, Felten has been taking his time getting used to life in Brooklyn.
“I’ve never been in this area before,” the Wisconsin-native said. “It wasn’t too much of a culture shock, but I haven’t done much here yet. I can’t wait for the guys to show me around.”
Nevertheless, he’s eager to get his professional hockey career started.
“I can’t wait to get going,” he said. “I’m really excited.”
Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.
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on Nov 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Wow my baby brother is famous. Now I just hope that I’ll get to come to a game this season.
on Nov 5th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Bravo Jesse! Fantastique! Even in France we’re watching you! Uncle Pierre and I are very proud, and just want to say “Bon courage!”.
Aunt Gayle
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Just a word from your southern Aunt. Way to go, Jesse! We are all very proud of you.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Way to go Jesse. I can still remember playing on roller blades with you guys on your concrete basketball court. It is exciting to that you have gone this far.
Luke
on Nov 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Jesse is a great player, I played with him in Sparta, Wisconsin. He was the fastest on the ice. I’d watch him go coast-to-coast and score at will. Way to go Jesse.
on Nov 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Way to go Jibbs! BARRRRRRR DOWN BABY!!!