Photo Credit: Charlotte Rush

As the Rush swept the Infantry in their past few games, and with limited games left in the regular season, Elite Head Coach Trevor Kleckner took the time to talk about how the Rush are utilizing their teams for development and ice time, compared to just having players check the proverbial box of being at Premier hockey.

Here’s Kleckner

“I thought the weekend against the Infantry was very good for both squads. On friday night we had two games that were a little close for comfort. When you’re playing your cross state rival it can get very intense, very quickly. We knew playing against Columbia that we had to score early and often to avoid a close game. We also knew we had to stay out of the penalty box as both teams had trouble with that resulting in close scores. 

On Saturday we executed our game plan perfectly. Going on the 12th day of skating for a practice or game in the past 13 days, we knew the guys were going to be tired. Our message was to be mentally dialed in and to put them away early on the scoreboard. Both teams executed this plan with Elite scoring 4 goals in the first period and Premier scoring 3 goals in the first period. 

In terms of solidifying rosters at the playoff roster deadline, we’ve decided to have Yianni Tsatsoulis, Chucky Norris, and Spencer Barrow return to Elite for the rest of the season. With all three of those forwards earning players of the month at the Elite Level for January, we saw it was necessary to give them well earned ice time at the Premier Level. All three players are more than capable of playing at the premier level and have shown that. However, in some close contests this season at the premier level, their ice time was below average and for them, they should be on the ice in every situation possible. From a development perspective, their ice time will be off the charts on Elite where they will look to lead the team to a national title. Next season, we will look for those three to lead the way at the Premier Level.”

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