..FROM THE DESK OF MIKE HAYAKAWA..
DECEMBER 1, 2002
For Michael Barrett, November 29 will be a homecoming of sorts when he steps onto the Centennial Arena ice surface. After labouring five years in the Ontario Hockey League, the 20-year-old Markham native will be coming home after the Markham Waxers acquired his playing rights on Tuesday after he cleared OHL waivers.

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound defenceman, Barrett is looking forward to playing in his first game with the Waxers tomorrow in front of family and friends at Centennial Arena against the St. Michael's Buzzers at 8 p.m.

"I'm pretty excited. I know a lot of the guys on the team and it'll definitely bring back a few memories and maybe some nerves here and there," said Barrett, who began the season with the Mississauga IceDogs before he was dealt to the Barrie Colts and saw action in six games before granted his release.

During his time in the OHL, which began in 1998 with the Owen Sound Platers, Barrett acknowledged the negatives far outweighed the positives. This time around though, he's hoping that playing in the Provincial Junior A Hockey League will be a breath of fresh air.

"I hope (being with the Waxers) will bring the fun back into the game. When you play five years (in the OHL) and you start to hate (the game). I thought it was time to end it before it really got bad," he said.

Barrett's arrival with the Waxers couldn't come at a more opportune time as the club is currently a bit thin on the blueline when veteran defenceman Michael Pain was summoned by the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League last week.

With the possibility Pain might not return to the Waxers in the immediate future, the Waxers feel Barrett will add stability to their defence, which at the current time has just one veteran rearguard in Albert Ferrante.

"We're absolutely pleased to have (Barrett). To bring back a guy with his experience where he's been in the OHL for 4 1/2 years and the fact that he's a Markham kid and grew up with a lot of the guys on the team, he will be a great addition for us," Herrington cited.

Herrington feels his newly acquired defenceman should provide a big spark on their special teams and provide added leadership on and off the ice.

"He's got a great shot and thinks the offensive things well from the blueline in. And he's underrated with his defensive play. He will definitely be a calming influence and can show the younger guys what it takes to be successful."

Barrett feels he can step in and make a major contribution to a team that has the potential to win the league's south conference title.

"I hope to give leadership and I think I can provide some offence with this team and play strong in the defensive end," he said.

As for when Pain might return to the Waxers, Herrington wasn't optimistic and was rather upset at the way the Spirit were handling the situation. Pain was called up by the Spirit for three games and was expected to be back at the Waxers' practice on Monday. He was, however, a no show.

"We've heard unofficially that they plan to keep (Pain) on their roster until January. And we haven't heard from Saginaw. We feel it's not a classy way to do things.

"But we're moving forward, believing he won't be back."

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