JUNIOR CANES DEFENSE, A FUTURE OF HOPE
It wouldn't take the average hockey fan to witness what the Carolina Hurricanes have the good fortune of seeing every night. A young defense unit that at times looks good enough to play in the pro's today.
"We really feel that our team's depth on defense has made a lot of people turn their heads," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "With the young group we have going in this season, I would be surprised if teams don't hate coming to our barn. They are a pretty responsible group of guys.
Front and center is Dion Phaneuf, the aggressive monster on defense. Phaneuf, 20, bring an intensity not seen in a potential superstar defenseman since Scott Stevens. His willingness to lay himself out, drop the big hit and maintain his compusure are second to no one in the junior ranks. Phaneuf's performance in the World Junior Championships the past 2 seasons has only strengthened what many already knew about him. He is Canada's top young defenseman.
Shea Weber brings heavy expectations as well. The captain of the Kelowna Rockets, the Western Hockey League's championship squad, brings a well maintained game which has shown young Weber to rarely panic in bad situation.
"He is focussed and he just makes good decisions every shift. For a guy that young to be that composed, it sor to fmakes you wonder how good he'll be when he turns 25."
Weber was Dion's defense partner at the World Juniors this past winter and the duo were considered one of the most dominating tandems in world junior history. Shutting down the likes of Olezs, Ovechkin and Tukonen were just a day in the life of the talented rocks on defense.
Another huge rock on defense is newly acquired Braydon Coburn, the 6 foot 5 defender who brings size, skill and a desire to succeed. Coburn was acquired for what will be the seventh overall choice in this year's draft, but the Canes aren't worried. That pick, in their eyes, could not have brought to Carolina what young Coburn will.
"He was too much of the total package to say no to," replied Hartsburg.
Other notables on defense are offensive gunner Mattias Karlsson, the talented Sweded who's brilliant rushes, wicked end to end passes and positioning have made him one of the top prospects on the Canes. Paired with any of the big rocks, Karlsson should no doubt shine and carry his offensive game to the pro's any time now. Brent Seabrook, slowed by developmental issues, also seems to be the real deal. The big blueliner has all the tools.
The Hurricnaes hope that the talented group remains on track and look forward to their futures in the big leagues.
"We really feel that our team's depth on defense has made a lot of people turn their heads," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "With the young group we have going in this season, I would be surprised if teams don't hate coming to our barn. They are a pretty responsible group of guys.Front and center is Dion Phaneuf, the aggressive monster on defense. Phaneuf, 20, bring an intensity not seen in a potential superstar defenseman since Scott Stevens. His willingness to lay himself out, drop the big hit and maintain his compusure are second to no one in the junior ranks. Phaneuf's performance in the World Junior Championships the past 2 seasons has only strengthened what many already knew about him. He is Canada's top young defenseman.
Shea Weber brings heavy expectations as well. The captain of the Kelowna Rockets, the Western Hockey League's championship squad, brings a well maintained game which has shown young Weber to rarely panic in bad situation.
"He is focussed and he just makes good decisions every shift. For a guy that young to be that composed, it sor to fmakes you wonder how good he'll be when he turns 25."
Weber was Dion's defense partner at the World Juniors this past winter and the duo were considered one of the most dominating tandems in world junior history. Shutting down the likes of Olezs, Ovechkin and Tukonen were just a day in the life of the talented rocks on defense.
Another huge rock on defense is newly acquired Braydon Coburn, the 6 foot 5 defender who brings size, skill and a desire to succeed. Coburn was acquired for what will be the seventh overall choice in this year's draft, but the Canes aren't worried. That pick, in their eyes, could not have brought to Carolina what young Coburn will.
"He was too much of the total package to say no to," replied Hartsburg.
Other notables on defense are offensive gunner Mattias Karlsson, the talented Sweded who's brilliant rushes, wicked end to end passes and positioning have made him one of the top prospects on the Canes. Paired with any of the big rocks, Karlsson should no doubt shine and carry his offensive game to the pro's any time now. Brent Seabrook, slowed by developmental issues, also seems to be the real deal. The big blueliner has all the tools.
The Hurricnaes hope that the talented group remains on track and look forward to their futures in the big leagues.
posted by Lohaus at 9:40 AM
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