SYDNEY, N.S. — Sonny Kabatay knew there would be an adjustment period when he made the jump from major midget to major junior hockey this season.
The 16-year-old forward spent the past two seasons in the Nova Scotia Eastlink Major Midget Hockey League, but he knew all too well the commitment needed to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
This season, the Membertou product is getting his chance to prove he belongs in the QMJHL after cracking the Halifax Mooseheads' roster out of training camp in August.
“It’s different,” said Kabatay about the QMJHL. “You’re on the road more and you’re missing school a little bit more, but I think I’m adjusting well and I’m still in the process of getting used to it.”
Through his first 11 games this season, Kabatay has one assist. His first career 'Q' point came during the Mooseheads' home opener on Sept. 27 on a goal by fellow rookie Zack Jones.
“There’s a lot more to it than just playing hockey,” said Kabatay. “You have to learn systems and the pre-game stuff, so it’s all new to me from the major midget level, but I’m taking it one day at a time.”
Kabatay is currently playing on the fourth line with fellow rookies Said Abi-Faycal and Jeffrey Burridge, a line he feels has played well in recent games.
“Our line has been playing good and hopefully we can keep that rolling,” said Kabatay. “We have to continue to work hard and play our game and we should be fine — I like how things are going.”
Kabatay began his hockey career with the Sydney Minor Hockey Association, before making the move to the Joneljim Cougars of the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League during the 2015-16 season.
In his rookie year, Kabatay finished the season with 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 33 contests.
He began turning heads during his second year, winning the major bantam league scoring title with 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points in 30 games.
Along with playing major bantam, he also represented Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Challenge Cup, appearing in 10 games between the province’s under-14 and under-15 programs from 2015 to 2017.
After a strong second season with the Cougars, Kabatay turned his attention to the major midget ranks, suiting up for the Cape Breton Unionized Tradesmen, notching 17 goals and 42 points in 34 games during the 2017-18 campaign.
BIO
SONNY KABATAY
- Hometown: Membertou, N.S.
- Age: 16
- Position: Centre
- Team: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
- Previous team: Steele Subaru Major Midgets of Dartmouth (NSMMHL)
Kabatay would again represent the province, but this time at the 2018 Gatorade Excellence Challenge, a tournament put on by the QMJHL in Boisbriand, Que., for scouts and teams to evaluate players.
In five games for Nova Scotia, Kabatay posted two goals and two assists. Two months later, he was drafted by the Mooseheads in the fifth round, No. 80 overall, at the QMJHL Entry Draft.
Kabatay attended his first training camp with the Mooseheads in August 2018, but was unsuccessful in making the team and was later reassigned to major midget.
Instead of returning to Cape Breton, Kabatay moved to Dartmouth and suited up for the Steele Subaru Major Midgets, recording 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 32 games.
“My parents thought it would be better for me to move to the Halifax area because there are more opportunities for a number of things, including school,” said Kabatay.
During his time with the Dartmouth squad, Kabatay also practiced with the Mooseheads, something he credits with helping him make the team this season.
“It was a great experience, being on the ice with the older guys,” said Kabatay, who was called up by Halifax for five games last season.
“The guys were helpful and I appreciated them giving me pointers when I needed them — I was there to learn.”
"Our line has been playing good and hopefully we can keep that rolling" — Sonny Kabatay
Despite making the team, Kabatay knows his work isn’t finished and is aware of what’s expected of him from head coach Jean-Jacques Daigneault, a former assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens.
“My goals are pretty simple — I want to impress my coaches every day and set my own goals to get better every day and do things that will get me to the next level,” said Kabatay, noting he's received tips from Mooseheads' defenceman Justin Barron, who is projected to be a high draft pick in next year’s NHL Entry Draft.
“I have to work for my minutes; I know I have to earn them, and by working hard and playing my game, hopefully I’ll be able to do that this season.”
Kabatay and the Mooseheads will make their first trip to Cape Breton on Friday to play the Eagles. Game time is 7 p.m. at Centre 200 in Sydney.
Although having cheered for the Eagles growing up, Kabatay admits there are some nerves playing against his hometown team for the first time in the regular season.
“It’s going to be a little nerve-wracking, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it after a couple of shifts in front of my family and friends,” said Kabatay. “Most of my community is going to be going to the game, so it should be fun to come home and play for them.”
CAREER STATISTICS
- 2015-16 – Joneljim Cougars (NSMBHL) – 33 GP – 15 G – 12 A – 27 PTS – 22 PIM
- 2016-17 – Joneljim Cougars (NSMBHL) – 30 GP – 25 G – 35 A – 50 PTS – 28 PIM
- 2017-18 – Cape Breton Tradesmen (NSMMHL) – 34 GP – 18 G – 24 A – 42 PTS – 35 PIM
- 2018-19 – Steele Subaru Major Midgets (NSMMHL) – 32 GP - 17 G – 27 A – 44 PTS – 30 PIM
- 2018-19 – Valley Wildcats (MHL) – 1 GP – 0 G – 0 A – 0 PTS – 0 PIM
- 2018-19 – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) – 5 GP – 0 G – 0 A – 0 PTS – 0 PIM
- 2019-20 – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) – 11 GP – 0 G – 1 A – 1 PT – 0 PIM
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Kabatay records first career QMJHL point in Mooseheads loss
Kabatay named to Halifax Mooseheads roster for 2019-20 season
Membertou's Sonny Kabatay excited for QMJHL draft on Saturday in Shawinigan, Que.
