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The Austin Bruins are just getting started, but second year forward Alex Laurenza is already sliding into a major leadership role.

In leading the Bruins to a 4-0 start, Laurenza already has six assists and three goals – including one overtime game-winner to cap an undefeated appearance for Austin at the NAHL showcase last week.

Laurenza, who hails from Woodbridge, Ontario, relishes in the playmaking role when he is on the ice and his leadership is already paying dividends for a Bruins squad that has 15 rookies on it.

“I like to be that playmaker and an assist is better than a goal to me,” Laurenza said. “There is nothing better than passing the puck and seeing your teammate score a goal.”

Laurenza’s skills have been on full display as he’s led Austin’s top line, which also includes his longtime friend Luc Malhassian and EJ Paddington, who is from Thunder Bay, Ontario. This will be the eighth year that Laurenza and Malhassian, who is from Toronto, Canada, have been teammates and they have picked up right where they left off.

“Having those two out there together is like having a couple of brothers playing,” Austin head coach Steve Howard said of Laurenza and Malhassian’s connection. “That line has been producing and a lot of it is because of Alex. He is one of our smartest players and he plays hard on both sides of the puck. He’s going to play a lot of minutes for us.”

Growing up in Canada, Laurenza had plenty of time on the ice and it’s become second nature for him to spend a bulk of his time in the rink.

“It’s all hockey up there. You’re always playing and it’s a 12 month season,” Laurenza said.

Laurenza and the Bruins are ready to get their home schedule started as the team is set to host its home opener when Minot comes to Riverside Arena this Friday for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Laurenza has been telling his younger teammates how much this matchup means as Minot knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs on their way to the Robertson Cup last season.

“I told the guys that Minot kicked us out of the playoffs last year and we want to come out with a statement win on Friday,” said Laurenza, who is in his third year of playing Junior Hockey. “I was one of the younger guys for the last two years, and I learned how to lead and talk from the older guys on those teams. I’ve learned to lead.”

Laurenza, who has committed to Division I Union College, has 34 assists and 19 goals in 66 career games with Austin. Getting his future locked up has helped Laurenza focus on the future, but he is not relaxing by any means.

“Every time I step on the ice, it’s a chance for me to shut down the outside noise and play the game that I grew up loving. It’s not just the games either, it’s the time with my teammates and the long lasting friendships we build,” he said. “The commitment takes the pressure off, but you still have to keep getting better. It’s only going to get tougher in college.”