Daniel Sprong returns from NHL, brings new leadership to the Islanders

Charlottetown Islanders fans couldn't be happier to have the team's star winger from the past two seasons back with the squad, but it's a move of mixed emotions for Daniel Sprong.

The Dutch-born player spent the start of the hockey season with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, suiting up in 18 games, but scoring just two goals with no assists in that time.

Now he's been sent back to the club where he racked up 39 goals last season, and in his first game Monday, Sprong promptly scored twice to lead the team to a 4-1 victory over Cape Breton.

He'll make his home-ice debut Wednesday night, and in an interview with Compass host Bruce Rainnie, called his NHL experience well worth it so far.

"You never want to get sent down from an NHL team, but in my time up there, I learned a lot, I saw a different part of the game, and just learned how to be more of a professional every day," Sprong said.

Ready to lead

He said he's bringing back more than just his scoring punch.

"Coming back here, with guys that I've played with for a while, for two seasons now, and being an 18-year-old, third year in the league and being more of a veteran presence, and using that leadership that I've learned up in Pittsburgh, and bringing it back now in Charlottetown," he said.

Sprong was a part of a Pittsburgh team that includes some of the most respected names in the game, including Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang.

He said watching them was something he could only experience in the NHL.

"The way they talk in the room, the way they act on and off the ice, the way they just lead by example, I think that's where I learned the most," Sprong explained.

"My first game back, I thought I wanted to bring that mindset right away, be very punctual, make sure you're on time for meetings, things like that, little things that you don't think are big details, but they're big details when you are moving forward and are trying to reach a goal."

Wants a trophy

He has a goal for sure.

Even though the team has been struggling this season, and is currently tied for fourth place in the Maritimes division, his eye is on the top prize.

"Winning a Memorial Cup," Sprong said quickly. "That's all I want. This may be my last year in junior that I'll get a chance to play, and there's no better feeling than trying to win a Memorial Cup."

"If we keep playing the right game for the next 32 games, we're going to be a dark horse in the play-offs, and in the play-offs, anything can happen."

That's true, but a lot more things can happen for the Islanders when Daniel Sprong is on the ice.

The revitalized team gets a chance to prove themselves Wednesday night when they host the division-leading Moncton Wildcats at 7 p.m. at the EastLink Centre.