HIGH POWERED MANIAX A CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITE

ROSTER:

Rob Stanley, Mike London, Kevin Smith, Garrett Mohney, Cory Schuckers, Dave Jewell, Dustin Henry

2007 STATISTICAL LEADERS (SKATERS):

Ø Points: Kevin Smith (110)

Ø Goals: Kevin Smith (83)

Ø Assists: Garrett Mohney (36)

Ø PIM: Garrett Mohney (10)

OFFENSE:

The Maniax bolstered the highest powered offense in the league last year by a wide margin, and there is little reason to believe they won’t continue that trend this year. Kevin Smith is back after leading the league in points a year ago. He’s a threat to score from anywhere, but he’s hardly alone. While everyone on the team can score, the Maniax brought in yet another gun this off-season. Cory Schuckers is back after a brief hiatus. Schuckers is a passing specialist, and should flourish with the veteran poise of his new team. Needless to say, the Maniax are a high octane group that will be hard to match up against this year.

DEFENSE:

While the offense is stellar, the defense is just as solid. When you have Rob Stanley on the blueline, the opposition can plan to come away a little frustrated. Stanley brings his impressive resume, including a four-for-four best defenseman title, back in 2008. But becoming just as impressive is his cohort, Dave Jewell. Jewell sometimes goes under the radar, but he is a shutdown defensive player. He has wheels and plays a very smart positional game. With the two of them manning the point, the Maniax offense can strut its’ stuff.

GOALTENDING:

Dustin Henry is coming off his finest statistical season in the league. Henry boasted a .841 save percentage and stingy 4.01 goals against average last year. When he’s on top of his game, he is tough to beat.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

After an opening round playoff loss to the Colonials, the 2007 season didn’t end the way the Maniax had hoped a year ago. Despite the disappointment, the Maniax have plenty to be optimistic about as they head into 2008. Powered by a fast-paced offense and anchored by perhaps the league’s best defensive tandem, the Maniax are one of the early favorites to sip water from the Cup this year.