DeCoste Determined Heading into Pivotal Season

(Sault Star Feature)

When asked, there's no hesitation.

Kyle DeCoste quickly admits that yes, this is the biggest year of his life.

A fifth-round draft choice of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, DeCoste's play over the next several months will determine whether he gets a professional contract.

But it may take the London, Ont., native some time to be completely ready for his fourth Ontario Hockey League season.

The 19-year-old right-winger, who joined the Soo Greyhounds just before last season's Jan. 10 trade deadline, is recovering from shoulder surgery in April.

The six-foot-two, 196- pounder, is "almost 100 per cent back," after having a torn labrum (cartilage) repaired on his left side.

But the surgery kept DeCoste, who scored 15 times a season ago, including seven in 26 games for the Greyhounds, from training the way he needed to.

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