After winning all three games in a weekend OHL pre-season showcase, the Windsor Spitfires don't see exhibition action again until September 15th against Sarnia.
Third year right-winger Luke Boka is hoping for an increased role with the team this season.
The 18-year-old — who went undrafted at June's NHL draft — has received a free-agent tryout.
"My agent gave me a call and said, 'You're going to Traverse City with the Carolina Hurricanes' so I'm real excited," says Boka."It's always great to be able to go out in front of NHL guys and show them what you can do.
Boka — a Plymouth, Michigan native — notched 13 goals and 28 points last season.
Luke Boka (left) and Tyler Nother (right) of the Windsor Spitfires celebrate during a parade through downtown Windsor in honour of the Spitfires Memorial Cup victory. May 31, 2017 (Photo courtesy of Tim Cornett)
Boka looks to former teammate Jalen Chatfield for inspiration.
Chatfield also went undrafted but signed an entry-level pro contract with the Vancouver Canucks this offseason and will more than likely play for the AHL's Utica Comets.
"For him to sign a contract and he's going to be playing professional hockey this year — that's just huge and such an inspiration. I look up to guys who go undrafted. Just look at the Nashville Predators last year — they had a bunch of guys go undrafted and then they're playing in the Stanley Cup final — it's pretty awesome."
Jalen Chatfield, December 2016 (Photo by AM800's Bob Becken)