Hawk D-man keeps an eye on the pros

Travis Ehrhardt ready to put training camp lessons into play

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Oct 7, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

KATIE HARTLEY / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Portland Winter Hawk defenseman Travis Ehrhardt will be spending more time at the gym in hopes of being able to handle bigger players. However, unlike other hockey players, time spent on the golf course may not be much benefit.

(Editor's note: The Winter Hawks named Travis Ehrhardt their captain on Thursday).

Travis Ehrhardt, Portland Winter Hawk defenseman and aspiring pro, understands what he needs to work on to reach the next level in hockey.

Ehrhardt recently attended the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp, where he saw professionalism in action, and how much he needed to get stronger to play pro. Another area for improvement?

Golf. What hockey player doesn’t know how to golf? It’s often been called a natural ability for hockey players, because a golf swing resembles a slap shot.

“They were golfing every day. I know, I should get on that,” says Ehrhardt, who camped with the Red Wings at Traverse City, Mich. “We stayed at a golf and spa resort, and there were four courses.

“I’m trying to pick up golf a little bit, but it’s not going well. I guess I’m proving the (swing) theory wrong. I slice it or top it, and rarely do get a hold of one really well.”

Maybe Ehrhardt can hit the links in the Portland area, so as to return to Detroit’s camp someday and impress the Red Wings with something other than his hockey skills. Just as goalie Kurtis Mucha fared well at Phoenix’s rookie and main camp, Ehrhardt left the Red Wings with a positive report from the team’s brass. Both Mucha and Ehrhardt could return to the teams, if they are not taken in the 2009 NHL draft, or be signed by another club.

“I think I did really well,” says Ehrhardt, 19, who the Hawks acquired last season from the Moose Jaw Warriors. “I think I caught them off guard, just a free agent trying out. They said a couple times during camp that they talked about signing me. But, when it came down to it, they had another year to watch me and see me develop. I put myself on the radar.”

Coach Rich Kromm raved about Ehrhardt’s play for the Hawks last season and says that the 6-0, 195-pound D-man needs to be one of Portland’s leaders this season.

Ehrhardt plays as an offensive defenseman. He led the Western Hockey League team with 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) last season. He skates well and moves the puck, but to play professionally, Ehrhardt will have to battle with 6-4 forwards in the corners and crease.

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