WHL: Ruzickas Expanding his Horizons

The first year Everett Silvertips are well coached by former NHL head coach Kevin Constantine. He gets a solid effort on a nightly basis from his squad of hand-me-downs. Here are player notes from a recent game featuring the expansion team.

Zach Hamill (2007), C, Everett

Not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2007, Hamill acquitted himself quite well playing in only his second game of the season .. intercepted a pass just inside the offensive zone .. made a nice short pass .. displays good vision .. shows potential in being a force offensively .. excellent hand-eye coordination .. doesn’t allow the puck carrier much time and space .. saw a bit of time on the power play.

Curtis Billsten (2004), RW, Everett

Was the beneficiary of a mistake by the goaltender who allowed Billsten to score a bad angled goal on a shot that should have been stopped .. solid checker .. gets a nice burst from his first few steps .. lost the puck in his skates.

Mark Kress (2004), C, Everett

Slick skating center .. extremely mobile and has elite acceleration .. very conscientious defensively .. plays full out on every shift .. forechecks and backchecks with passion .. usually the first forward back .. doesn’t like to go deep on the forecheck .. played on the penalty kill.

Martin Ruzicka (2004), RW, Everett

Intelligent Slovak winger has gained the confidence of the coaching staff by playing well in all areas of the ice .. receives a boatload of ice time on both special teams and any critical situation .. supports his defense by coming back deep and picking up his man .. puts the pass right on the tape .. takes faceoffs on the penalty kill .. rarely makes the high risk play .. would likely put up decent offensive numbers with an improved supporting cast around him.

Ivan Baranka (NYR), D, Everett

Used his stick on the PK to break up a possible scoring chance .. elite hand-eye coordination .. was absolutely destroyed by a clean hit in the corner .. effective at getting his shots through traffic and on net .. wound up and let go a blast from the point on the power play that gave the goalie some trouble.