Before I start, I would like to congratulate Billy Arnold on scoring a goal in the USA's 11-3 rout of Denmark. As for the defense, I think they have really improved from last year. The loss of Samuelsson really hurt this team and follow that up with Pat Wey's injury everyone was interested to see what would happen. Even though those losses were big, the unit has persevered through the tough times and continues to play well. So here it goes.
Tommy Cross- A-. The clear cut leader of this team. I really like the way Tommy is playing so far this season especially with the loss of Wey. Even though he is a defenseman, he has scored BC's two biggest goals of the year as he netted the winner with a second to go vs NU and had the game winner during that magical night at The Other School. Just by watching him play in games and practice I can see how good he is at being the captain of this team.
Brian Dumoulin- A. While Tommy Cross is the leader, Brian is the not only the best defenseman on this team but maybe in the entire league. He leads all defenseman on the team in points and is second behind Lowell's Chad Rhuwedel in Hockey East. He has done a great job on the PP and PK and is really improving his game in his own end. He is already one of the premier offensive defenseman in the whole country.
Patch Alber- B+. Going into the year, Patch was behind Cross, Dumoulin, and Wey in terms of depth at defense but when Wey went down, no one on this whole entire team has stepped up bigger than Patch. Although he is the smallest defenseman on the team, he is the toughest and most solid in his own zone. He does the little things like just making good passes and clearing the puck out of the zone better than anyone.
Edwin Shea- C. This grade is probably a little harsh but im just not liking the way he is playing right now. First of all, he does not have a good shot. When you are on the power play, you need to be able to fire puck. Secondly, he is not good in his own zone. To many times he misses his assignments in his own zone. Needs a really good last half of the year to finish his career.
Issac Macleod-C+. Since this is his first year being a full time defenseman he is struggling a little bit. I like Issac and I think he has the chance to become a good defenseman here. I think he needs to improve on his skating and not turning it over as much. As time goes on, he will mature as a defenseman.
Brooks Dyroff- N/A. When he plays he only plays a couple shifts.
NEWS ON WEY- Being the crazy knucklehead that I am, I went to optional practice today and saw Pat Wey practicing without a medical jersey on, meaning he should be good to go for the Great Lakes. More info tomorrow, as we should know what the lines are with Arnold out and I will have my preview on the Wolverines.
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