The Checkers' rookie, who sits at 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) through 46 games, has also been soaking up as much as he can from his teammates.
"I love all of our guys," said Sourdif. "All the veteran guys have been so welcoming and they're unbelievable to learn from. I can name so many guys, but it's literally been every guy on the team. Even if they're a couple years older or have hundreds of games, they've all been great. We have our captain, Zach Dalpe, and Riley Nash who have played lots of pro hockey at the highest level. They're always more than willing to pass information down to the young guys, help them out and guide them the best that they can in their careers. Having those guys and Anthony Bitetto as well, I have been very fortunate to have guys to lean on."
After battling a lower-body injury earlier this year, Sourdif has been heating up down the stretch. In the last 22 games, the speedy forward has racked up 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) 47 shots and a +3 rating, while also scoring the game-winning goal during a 5-3 win over the Rochester Americans on Jan. 28.
"I came back from a lower-body injury and I kind of just focused on playing as fast as I could once I was ready to return," said Sourdif. "I really just went out there and played pretty freely, didn't put a ton of pressure on myself, and I think that really helped. Also, the linemates I'm able to play with are second to none, they help me out a lot and playing with them has been something that has helped my game and consistency."
Thanks in large part to that consistent approach on offense, the British Columbia native leads all Checkers rookies in goals (7), power-play goals (2), assists (17), points (24), and shots (92).
"Having confidence and patience with the puck are two huge things for me," said Sourdif. "Playing at this level you get less and less opportunities to try and create offense and get shots as opposed to juniors. Having patience with the puck and knowing which plays to make and when has been something I've tried to focus on and has helped me out a bit as well."
During his media availability following the NHL Trade Deadline on March 3, Panthers General Manager Bill Zitomentioned Sourdif as one of several prospects that the organization had very high hopes for.
"Obviously something like that gives you confidence, but right now I'm definitely focused on trying to go on a deep playoff run with the Checkers and continuously grow my game day-by-day here," Sourdif said when asked about that praise. "It definitely motivates you to work a lot harder at the rink and in the offseason."
With 13 games left in the AHL regular season, the Checkers are currently third in the Atlantic Division with a record of 33-20-3-3. After a third-round exit in last year's Calder Cup Playoffs, the addition of Sourdif's speed and skill to the lineup could help Charlotte make an even deeper run this season.
To stay up to date on everything going on with the Checkers, follow @CheckersHockey on Twitter.
Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Checkers
