AMHERST – Jamie Bishop is one of those defenceman who can change a game.
When the 18-year-old St. Stephen, N.B. native joined the Amherst Ramblers at the start of the season there were high hopes for the former Quebec Major Junior Hockey League player who spent time with both the Halifax Mooseheads and the Rimouski Oceanic.
Despite some injury problems during the first half, Bishop has not disappointed.
“I had heard a lot of stories about what it’s like to play in Amherst and I have not been disappointed,” Bishop said Thursday. “It’s a great place to play. The organization is top notch and the fans are among the best I’ve ever played in front of.”
While he didn’t score any goals in 64 games in the QMJHL, Bishop has had an impact with the Ramblers scoring six goals and adding 17 assists for 23 points in 32 games. He has also picked up 58 penalty minutes, while thrilling fans with a number of booming body checks.
“I enjoy the physical game, especially if it helps the hockey team, I just want to be the best I can be and play consistent hockey and do what I can to help us win,” said Bishop, who played Midget AAA hockey in Saint John before being drafted by the Mooseheads. “The season is going well for me, the team is doing good and I’m happy to be here.”
The Ramblers, who are tied for second-place in the Bent Division behind the division-leading Metro Marauders, are home Saturday night against the Pictou Crushers before going to Bridgewater on Sunday to face the Lumberjacks.
“It’s the second half and we need to put some wins together,” Bishop said. “We’ve been doing a lot of off-ice and skating on ice getting ready for playoffs. We didn’t get the start we wanted coming out of the break, but it starts now and we’re going to take a run at winning the division and going far in the playoffs.”
Coach Jim Bottomley said Bishop is an anchor on defence, who can dominate a game physically and with his shot.
“When he’s on his game he’s one of the best in the league,” Bottomley said. “He can deliver the big hits, he’s physical and has a big strong body out there who is not afraid to mix it up. I like the fact he plays on the edge out there and you have to be aware when you’re on the ice.”
Bottomley said the biggest thing he needs to work on is consistency, but he believes he will be a leader on the club in the coming years and someone he can build around.
Bishop agreed that consistency is one area of his game that he needs to work on. He said he is working hard to become a better defensive defenceman and someone other players can look up to.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
