GENERALS LOOKING TO COMMAND RESPECT IN ‘08

 

ROSTER:

 

Ricky Martini, Matt Taylor, Brian Anderson, Josh Inzana, Rob Hout, Todd Brown, Joe Antonuccio

 

2007 STATISTICAL LEADERS (SKATERS):

Ø      Points:  Brian Anderson (34)

Ø      Goals:  Brian Anderson (27)

Ø      Assists:  Ricky Martini (12)

Ø      PIM:  Matt Taylor (2)

 

OFFENSE:

 

The Generals finished next to last in goals for last year, and struggled to put up points on the top teams.  There offense should be better than last year, especially with the addition of Todd Brown.  Brown has been impressive in the off-season, and has proven to have a good nose for the net.  Look for him to be a difference maker offensively for the Generals.  They will also be looking for Brian Anderson and Ricky Martini to continue to improve their numbers.

 

DEFENSE:

 

The Generals gave up the most goals of any team in 2007, so it’s obvious what their major focus needs to be this season.  The addition of Rob Hout should help their team defense, as it greatly helps their team speed and hustle.  The Generals’ defensive coverage was a problem last year, as they surrendered a lot of good scoring chances to the opposition.  If they want to climb the standings, they need to be a much more disciplined defensive team.  They have to find a way to limit good chances and give their goalie a chance to stop higher percentage shots.

 

GOALTENDING:

 

Joe Antonuccio faced 761 shots last year, so he virtually has two years worth of experience under his belt in the XHL.  He definitely started to come on late in the season, and should develop into a solid netminder in time.  One thing he might benefit from is watching Bob Williams of the Cyclones.  Williams has a way of slowing down the game.  Antonuccio likes to keep the ball in play, which meant a lot of 2nd chance opportunities for teams last year.  He might want to cover more.  Otherwise, he is an athletic goalie who is learning to play his angles effectively. 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTLOOK:

 

After last year’s 1-17 campaign, the Generals have nowhere to go but up, which is exactly what they are expecting to do.  They have a much better team with a gifted rookie in Todd Brown.  He will score between 30 to 50 goals this year.  But the Generals have to develop a competitive spirit in the defensive zone if they hope to rise in the standings.