As crazy as it may seem, the 2008-09 hockey season starts tomorrow. Yes, you read that right, tomorrow, and it starts in Alaska. As I look toward this season, I think there is a giant misconception on who the critical players will if this team is going to have a good year. The most popular names I hear are the Joe Vitales and Brad Thiessens of the team, except we know what to expect out of them.
Unless Vitale has zero goals or fifty goals, the fortunes of the team won’t change. Like wise, unless Thiessen has a zero or a five goals-against average, the Huskies aren’t likely to be any better or worse. No, this season will be won with the Ryan Ginands and Steve Silvas of this team. They’re the role guys, the guys who never get enough credit: But without them, the team could never win.
Every great team has great role players. Tom Brady had Troy Brown and Kevin Garnett had Kendrick Perkins. There was Dustin Pedroia from last year’s Red Sox team. Without the role guys, the team won’t win. These role guys never get the credit they truly deserve.
Teams just flat out do not win without a supporting cast. Dan Marino had no one to throw the ball to, and the Dolphins did not win a Super Bowl, yet Trent Dilfer did. It shows you what having the right supporting cast can mean. Even Michael Jordan had a wide range of role guys that helped him win his six championships.
Last year, Ryan Ginand had 10 goals and 10 assists – quite close to what I consider a perfect season. He was able to put the puck in the back of the net and dish it as well; a good hockey double-double. The Huskies need another year like that out of Ginand, a 10-10 or better, for the team to have a good season.
Last year, Steve Silva missed a nice chunk of the games because of a broken collar bone, but still was able to have a 4-12 season. The assists are where they need to be. Obviously with a few more games, he is going to be able to find the back of the net more, and he is going to be a year older, know Hockey East better and just all around be more mature as a hockey player.
If Silva returns healthy and able to move the puck around and score a few goals along the way, he could be one of the most important players on the team.
Obviously, I just picked out two players who I think are going to be important on this year’s squad, but they are far from the only ones on the team.
The entire defense is basically one big role player. You have to have an offense in there of some sort. The defense returns every single player from last year’s squad and they are going to have to step up even more than last year. I am a firm believer in the fact that your defense does not have to score a single goal to have a great year. I think the key elements for the defense this year are going to be working the puck out of the zone and keeping the quality shots away from Thiessen. I realize these things seem incredibly obvious, but they are incredibly important.
I look at this team, and I see plenty of potential, plenty of talent and finally, for the first time, plenty of experience. And of course, I see plenty of role players who are going to make or break this team with the kind of season they have. Don’t forget Joe Vitale or Brad Thiessen – they are obviously important, but won’t win the season on their own.
Focus on Ryan Ginand, Steve Silva and players like that, as they are going to determine what kind of team the Huskies are this year.
– Keith Lavon can be reached
