BCHL: Zajac The Sequel

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks currently sit atop the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League with 30 points. One of the key contributors to their good start is center Darcy Zajac. It isn't the first time that the Silverbacks have relied on a Zajac as Travis Zajac dominated the BCHL a few years back. We have notes on the younger Zajac as well as Brodie Sheahan, Ben Winnett and Brendon Nash.

Brodie Sheahan (FA), RW

Lethbridge, Alberta native currently sits with 24 points (10-14-24) after 21 games .. blossoming in to a splendid stickhandler thanks to soft hands and terrific hand-eye coordination .. needs to get more involved in the play as he tends to stay on the perimeter .. blessed with a howitzer of a shot, just needs to use it more .. played on the top line with Darcy Zajac and Matt Dyck .. a regular on the powerplay.

Darcy Zajac (2006), C

Has 33 points (14-19-33) in 21 games this season .. wears an A and centers the Silverbacks' top line of Brodie Sheahan and Matt Dyck .. surprisingly quick feet, although can appear a bit sluggish on occasion .. boasts some power behind his wrist shot .. defensively conscientious and will cover at the point for a pinching defender .. still needs to bare down more around the puck and can be guilty of over stickhandling at times .. distributes the puck well to his linemates .. won't hesitate to drive to the net and park himself in front of the goal .. has pretty good vision, but not elite like his older brother .. works hard after first contact .. a regular on all special teams.

Ben Winnett (2007), C

Salmon Arm rookie has chipped in with an impressive 16 points (7-9-16) in 22 games .. displays nice acceleration and overall skating skills, however he will need to get stronger as he tends to get bounced off the puck a tad too easily .. takes the pass smoothly at top speed .. saw time on the penalty-kill as well as a bit of time late on the powerplay .. has the quickness to pressure the pointman and create the odd turnover .. ineffective taking the body and is too easily blocked out of the play .. definitely a player to keep an eye on as he physically matures .. played on a line with Travis Holloway and Ryan Halliday.

Brendon Nash (2006), D

In only 15 games played this season, Nash has produced 12 points (2-10-12) .. is committed to Cornell University .. blessed with nice size at 6'3 and 205lbs., although will be even more physically imposing with some more meat on his bones .. is a regular on the powerplay .. has a high panic threshold .. closes the gaps well on the PK .. is very alert in his coverage in the defensive zone .. dishes out crisp tape-to-tape passes .. solid on his skates and doesn't get bounced off the puck easily .. uses an active stick as well as proper positioning to force the puckcarrier wide .. a real stabilizing influence on the Salmon Arm backend .. a strong skater, but not overly quick .. partnered with Dustin DeGagne.