Whalers’ top pick plans to skate with NTDP next season, unsure of future plans

Jordan Greenway, the Whalers' top pick in the 2013 draft, will play for the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor next season. (Photos courtesy of Jordan Greenway)

By Matt Mackinder – 

Jordan Greenway had a feeling the Plymouth Whalers would call his name in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League draft back on April 6.

When his name will be announced over the public address system at Compuware Arena is anyone’s guess.

A 16-year-old native of Potsdam, N.Y., Greenway played last year for Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Fairbault, Minn., and is committed to play for the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor this fall.

“For the most part, I think I knew they wanted to draft me and I had a good relationship through the phone with them before the draft,” said Greenway, a towering 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward. “During the draft when the 16th pick came, I had a good feeling they were going to draft me.

“I will be at the NTDP 100 percent next season and next year is really all I have thought about. That’s where I’m at right now.”

Leaving home at 14 to play at Shattuck the past two years, Greenway said the knowledge and training he experienced there has contributed greatly to his on-ice success.

“Shattuck does a lot of great things for players,” Greenway said. “Last year, I feel it was a learning year for me. I learned a lot of things that changed my game. My season wasn’t as good as usual and overall we, as a team, didn’t do as good as we wanted to, but as an individual, I think it was still a productive season for me.”

Greenway scored 22 goals with 38 assists for 60 points and 90 penalty minutes in 2012-13, while the junior and college scouts came out in droves.

“Having scouts at my game I think gave me some motivation,” said Greenway. “At first, it was a change, but I learned when I don’t change a thing and play with the team that everything works out. Getting the opportunity (to commit to the NTDP) just arose after my past two years at Shattuck. The national camp was a way to show what I can do and I think that helped a lot, too. I went on an official visit (to the NTDP) during one of my breaks and saw everything and then after talking to my parents for a while, we felt Team USA is the right spot for me for next year.”

After next year, as Greenway said, he’ll continue to look at all of his options, but he did say that the NCAA route is very appealing.

“Looking down the road, I think the NCAA is a great league as well,” Greenway said. “As of right now, all my options are open and overall, I just need some more time to make a good decision. I can’t say I really have a dream school, but I do like some of the bigger schools like Boston College, Boston University and the University of Minnesota. I think this is just the start of some of the decisions I will have to make in the future. I think patience is key when going through the process. Now that I know I’m going to the (NTDP) program next year, I have another year to think about everything and make a decision when I’m 100 percent sure.”

First things first and Greenway is looking forward to the next few months doing what all dedicated hockey players do.

“This summer, I will mainly be working out and trying to skate as much as I can,” explained Greenway. “I’ll travel here and there to train. I’m just trying to get ready for the upcoming season and the NTDP.”