DESPITE CHANGES, COLONIALS HOPING FOR SIMILAR RESULTS

ROSTER:

Bob Anderson, John Hrusth, Fred Terwilliger, Anthony Schuckers, Cody Schuckers, Dan Fatula, Jordan Snell

2007 STATISTICAL LEADERS (SKATERS):

Ø Points: Bob Anderson (97)

Ø Goals: Bob Anderson (51)

Ø Assists: Bob Anderson (46)

Ø PIM: John Hrusth (12)

OFFENSE:

The Colonials finished last among the playoff teams in goal production a year ago, but their new recruits should solve that problem. Dan Fatula isn’t a flashy player, but he is a pure goal scorer, which is something the Colonials have needed in the past. He should look good in a red sweater, as should Anthony Schuckers who is arriving with his brother from the Regulators. While he has put up big numbers in the past, the Colonials are only asking for him to play a steady game at both ends. This team should have a more balanced attack with the changes they’ve made this off-season.

DEFENSE:

The Colonials have prided themselves on team defense in the past, and it is a formula they don’t plan to stray from this year either. Fred Terwilliger is back on the blueline and will share that duty largely with Cody Schuckers. Schuckers impressed enough as a 16 year-old in the league to win the rookie-of-the-year award. The Colonials want him to keep the game simple and focus on his defensive responsibilities. They feel he has the potential to be a shut-down defenseman in the coming years.

As always, the Colonials will be looking for the entire team to pitch in defensively. The Colonials see Anthony Schuckers as a solid checking forward, and somebody who can alleviate the pressure on the defensemen. They will need the entire team’s contributions in the defensive end to keep up with the high-powered offenses from the rest of the league.

GOALTENDING:

Jordan Snell is coming off his best statistical season in five years of play. He has always given his team a chance to win, and there is no reason to believe he won’t do so again this year. A Vezina Award winner in 2004, Snell has the ability to do so again. When he’s on his game, he’s at the top of his crease. When that happens, he is tough to beat.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

As with the other top teams, there is no guarantee the Colonials will even make the playoffs. But they feel confident in the group they’ve put together. If they can stick to their formula of defense first and keeping it simple, the Colonials should be a team to reckon with in August.