Brandon Nolan-the shooting star of hockey

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It's a Sunday evening in Oshawa and that means many local diehard fans can be found at the Civic Auditorium cheering on their Ontario Hockey League franchise.

For the past two seasons, one of those regulars has been Ted Nolan, the former National Hockey League player and coach. There's a very good reason why Ted has a keen interest in the Oshawa Generals. His oldest son Brandon, 18, is a star right winger with the organization, best known for producing the likes of Bobby Orr and Eric Lindros.

Brandon Nolan could end up following in his father's footsteps and making it to the NHL. He was selected in the third round, 72nd over-all, by the New Jersey Devils in the NHL entry draft this past June.

Brandon Nolan is in his second season with the Generals. As a rookie he appeared in 52 games and had a respectable 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists). He should easily surpass those totals if the early portions of this season are any indication. Brandon Nolan had 14 points, including a team-high eight goals, in his first nine matches.

Ted Nolan, who is now living in St. Catharines, Ont., attends almost all of the Generals' home games and the majority of Oshawa's road contests as well. After Generals' home matches the Nolans usually go for a quick post-game meal. And yes, sometimes the topic of conversation turns to hockey.

"I don't want to be more of his coach. I want to be more of his dad," Ted said. "But the coaching comes out of me once in a while. I just give him little tips to make him a better player."

Ted also realizes his son is being groomed by a highly respected individual. George Burnett is a former NHL head coach; he guided the Edmonton Oilers during a portion of the 1994-95 season. Burnett also worked as an NHL assistant coach with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

"He's in good hands here with the coach he does have here in George Burnett," Ted said. "George is a tremendous coach. But I'm just like any other dad and give him little tips here and there."

Burnett has never asked for advice from the elder Nolan. And Ted has never volunteered to give his two cents worth.

"It's strictly like any other dad on the team," Ted said of his relationship with Burnett.

As for Brandon Nolan, his early-season scoring prowess isn't a surprise. Now that he's a Generals' veteran, he realizes he has to produce and lead a bit more than in his freshman campaign.

"I know I have a little bit more of a role with scoring so I've been trying to bring that here," he said. "It's been happening so far this year. But you never know what's going to happen. Some other guys might step it up but hopefully I can keep scoring."

Brandon said the fact he's been drafted by a pro team is no reason to be complacent this season.

"You can't really say things are easier," he said. "I have to work just as hard as last year. Last year I was trying to get drafted and this year I'm trying to get a contract. You have to prove that they made a good choice when they drafted you."

Brandon doesn't mind the fact his father is frequently offering him advice.

"He's a good coach and he gives me the tips that I need," he said.

As for his goals this season, Brandon was hoping to rack up his share of points.

"I wanted to be in the Top 10 in league in scoring," he said. "Hopefully, as time goes on I can get up there."

Brandon missed the Generals' first three games as he was attending the Devils' training camp in New Jersey. He spent two weeks at his first pro camp.

He didn't get into an NHL exhibition match but he did play in two pre-season matches with the Devils' American Hockey League affiliate in Albany, N.Y.

Now that he's starring in the junior ranks and the fact that he has been drafted makes the possibility of playing in the NHL seem like a logical goal.

"That's everybody's goal," Nolan said. "It's getting a little bit closer here for me so hopefully I can get that done."

Burnett believes Brandon must make some improvements with his defensive play befre he can entertain thoughts of becoming a pro.

"He's becoming more committed without the puck and in his own end of the rink," Burnett said. "I realize it's fun to score but if you're working as hard as we're starting to see signs both ways- forechecking and backchecking -then a lot of opportunities are had because of that."

Burnett doesn't believe the fact his star winger has a famous father has been a problem. And he doesn't think it has affected the younger Nolan's career.

"I don't think it hurts him at all," he said. "I think obviously there's probably higher expectations but that's okay. His dad is his biggest fan and he supports him to no end. I think Brandon is very proud of his father's accomplishments as well. They have a great relationship and it's never been an issue for us."

Burnett said he has liked working with Brandon. And he sounds pretty pleased of where his player appears to be heading.

"Brandon is somebody I've enjoyed working with," he said. "And I think he's understanding now just how good he can become. Having been drafted by an organization that generally develops their people at the minor league level, he's got a clear vision and clear sight as to what the next two, three and four years are going to be like and what he has to accomplish in order to be a player at the National Hockey League level somewhere along the line."