NCAA: Stuart Steadies Tigers

While the big teams in the East and the Midwest take turns knocking each other off and getting upset by weaker clubs, the Colorado College Tigers have quietly put together a solid season out West so far.

The lack of notoriety suits the Tigers just fine as the surprise factor has certainly played a part in an 11-3-0 start, featuring a six-game winning streak that abruptly came to a halt last weekend in a 7-2 drubbing by Minnesota.

While Tigers coach Scott Owens would point to strong team play as the key to their early success, a few individual players have definitely elevated their games and deserve some of the spotlight as well.

Here are notes on the key performers from a recent game at the Springs World Arena, a 7-3 win over the Boston University Terriers.

Mark Stuart (Bos), D

Stuart may retire after a long NHL career and never have a highlight-reel play to show for it, as there is nothing overly pretty or sexy about his game .. yet his presence on and off the ice is priceless .. Tigers captain brings well-documented leadership skills and a solid all-around defensive game .. primarily a stay-at-home type, but whenever he does take a chance offensively something good usually happens as it did on this night .. made a rare pinch down low at just the right time for an easy open-net tally .. plays a smart and alert game .. always appears a step or two ahead of the opposition, rarely getting caught off-guard by cherry-pickers .. his best asset may be his ability to understand his own limitations and to stick to a defined role .. makes consistently sound decisions with the puck and has developed nice chemistry with fellow junior Brett Sterling, a combination that has click well this year .. Stuart is also gifted physically .. dishes out heavy, well-timed hits, and is equally good at absorbing punishment .. very adept at making a play while taking a hit .. rules the defensive zone with his methodical presence and stout positioning, which is especially notable when killing penalties where he was instrumental in rendering the opposition power play useless.

Curtis McElhinney (Cgy), G

At the beginning of the season, it appeared that the Tigers may be facing another rotating goalies situation .. both he and Matt Zaba were doing well alternating, however, McElhinney's numbers were just too impressive to be sitting on the bench .. upped his record to a perfect 7-0 with a .946 save percentage (currently at 9-1, .933) .. allowed three goals though two were a result of somewhat unlucky bounces .. wowed the home crowd with some highlight-reel saves .. flashed a lightning-fast glove hand, easily snaring a point-blank blast from the faceoff circle .. exceptionally tough to beat down low as he possesses the ability to get his pads parallel to the ice in a fraction of a second .. looks very comfortable in his crease and doesn’t wander too far from home either to handle the puck or challenge shooters .. still, he leaves little daylight to temp shooters due to his solid positioning and knack for knowing how to use his good-sized frame to block off the holes.

Brett Sterling (Atl), LW

Entered the game leading the Tigers in goals, including four game-winners, tied for most in the nation with Ryan Potulny .. however, scoring clutch goals only tells a small part of the story behind Sterling’s fine play this season .. speedy sniper lacks size but makes up for it in smarts and intuition .. despite stature, he is still able to outmaneuver much bigger opponents .. even along the boards, he somehow frees himself and slips away from checks .. displays quick hands, very adept at sneaking the puck away from opposing defensemen .. late in the third period he made an excellent defensive block in his own zone and then came from nowhere to capitalize on a scoring chance at the other end.

Joey Crabb (NYR), RW

Well-rounded junior winger brings more than just scoring ability to the team .. plays a gritty and fearless style .. always willing to barrel through the slot and pay the physical price .. works hard on the forecheck in the offensive zone, and is especially effective along the boards whether taking or dishing out a beating .. displays excellent discipline, seems to knows exactly how far he can take the rough stuff without drawing the ire of officials .. never backs down .. played a strong two-way game .. took away an excellent scoring opportunity when he bowled over an opponent in his own crease .. showed some class late in the game by passing on a chance to attack the net with the scoreline already lopsided.

Richard Petiot (LA), D

Scored the game’s opening goal with a nice wrister from the blueline before leaving the game with what turned out to be a groin tear .. will be out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks.

Notes: Impressive freshman forward Scott McCulloch (Chi) sat out after suffering a dislocated shoulder the previous night against UMass. McCulloch will need surgery and is likely gone for the season.