SAN ANTONIO – With five games remaining in his initial 25-game contract with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, New Glasgow’s Jon Sim is not concerned about needing to find somewhere to play for the remainder of the season.
Sim said Wednesday that the coach wants him to continue with the team and the organization has already alluded to the fact they are pleased with his results. He expects they will ask him to stay and extend his contract in coming weeks, but he is also open to other options if they’re presented.
“They have talked to me and are happy with my play and with me,” said Sim. “I just am going to play it out and finish the year out somewhere whether it be here or somewhere else. I’m just kind of waiting myself.
“I’ve been in contact with the coach and the GM and they’ve been hinting that they want me to stay and I have a home in San Antonio as long as I want to stay.”
This season is the first time in his career he has not had a contract for an entire year. He said it changes his mindset slightly.
“It can play tricks on you a bit,” said Sim. “The good thing is I’ve been in contact with the coach and he’s been positive and wants me to stay. He doesn’t want me to go to another team, which is a good thing. My ice time hasn’t gone down or anything so it’s definitely a different situation and I take every day as a new day to keep playing hockey and work hard so it continues that way.”
In 20 games with the Rampage this season Sim has six goals and 13 points. Although the team is happy with his performance he said he feels he’s slightly underachieving from where he wants to be.
“I think number-wise I’m underachieving,” said Sim. “I’ve had a ton of scoring chances and I think I should have better numbers, but it is what it is. My scoring chances and shots on goal have been doing well, so I’m not disappointed with my play overall, but am disappointed with my numbers. That comes down to me just bearing down on my opportunities.”
Next Friday, Feb. 1, the Rampage are hosting their annual Pink in the Rink to raise awareness about breast cancer. The team dyes the ice pink and wears special jerseys. Sim said he’s taken part in similar games in the past, but is really looking forward to seeing the ice dyed pink and having the opportunity to take part in the special game.
An update on where Sim will play for the remainder will be available on ngnews.ca as details are released.
