Tristan Lennox Still Finding Way to Improve Game Without 20-21 OHL Season

Tristan Lennox was enjoying the moment every young player dreams of, being drafted into the NHL.

Lennox was the New York Islanders’ second selection of the day as the 93rd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. In what became a theme for the Isles through their first two picks on Day 2, Lennox was projected to be drafted higher than he was.

NHL Central Scouting had Lennox ranked as the third best North American goalie in this year’s draft class and Smaht Scouting listed the 6-foot-4 goalie 52nd on their rankings.

With the 93rd selection of the 2021 #NHLDraft the #Isles select goaltender Tristan Lennox. pic.twitter.com/azznKXRy4q

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 24, 2021

“Difficult to rattle, Lennox seems confident in the game he plays and doesn’t fall victim often to deceptive shooters trying to draw him too far out of his crease or around to face the back of the net,” a scouting report from Eliteprospects reads on Lennox.

The OHL did not have a season last year due to COVID-19, so Lennox and his Saginaw Spirit didn’t play at all during the 2020-21 hockey season. The year prior 20-8-3 in 33 games and had a 3.63 goals-against average.

Lennox did find alternative ways to train last season despite the cancellation of the OHL season, but it remained a challenge for the 18-year-old.

“It’s definitely been a tough year for me and everyone that was in the same boat as me in the OHL and not being able to play,” Lennox said. “I think that was kind of the biggest thing that I missed was just the games and competing with former people I play against daily. I think that was kind of the biggest thing, but I’ve been on the ice probably three times a week and I’m always in the gym every day.”

“I don’t really have words to describe the feelings that I’ve been feeling. I’m just really excited to get to work and be a New York Islander.”

More from Tristan Lennox ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/orArYko66K

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 24, 2021

Tristan Lennox also spent time working with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL as well, which gave the young goaltender a taste of what it’s like to play at the pro level.

Lennox has spent his time focusing on the technical side of his game with his goaltending coach. He called it the biggest thing that has needed work and Lennox has worked on his depth in his own crease.

“I think that takes time to work on,” Lennox said. “You can’t just work on it overnight. It’s been great for me, but also I would much rather competing on the ice. I’m trying to win hockey games for my team as well.”