Coach Dan Morris said that newcomer Steve Osacky is exactly what he was looking for after last season.
We were looking for a left-hand-shot defenseman
Morris said. He's a good player and a good leader.
Now the freshman from Oak Forest, Ill., leads the Bobcats in ice time not just for freshmen but for the whole team.
The playing time is a welcome surprise for Osacky, who didn't envision himself becoming such an integral part of the team this year.
I didn't expect to play this much. I thought I'd start at the bottom and work my way up Osacky said. This year has been a matter of getting comfortable in a new league and adjusting.
The Bobcats couldn't afford to have him start at the bottom. His presence was needed now, and he has had to make adjustments on the fly.
Defensemen are often compared to a quarterback in football. They direct the team on the ice and get the puck out of the defensive zone, something the Bobcats struggled with last season.
While Osacky admits his physical game could use some work, it's the mental part of the game that makes him such a valuable player.
I focus on knowing where everybody on the ice is he said, moving the puck if we have it
trying to get it out of our zone and on the break.
Osacky said that playing well comes down to decision-making, and he concentrates on making good passes and playing smart hockey.
He's easy to play with
so it makes my job easier
junior defenseman Mike Peota said. You know where he's going to be; he's always in the right position; he makes good passes
and he's a good shooter.
Morris said that while Osacky plays well with everyone, he seems to play even better with Peota.
Osacky and Peota agree, but they can't explain it.
It sounds funny
but sometimes there is just a natural connection with us on the ice
Osacky said.
We just work well together
Peota said. I'm not really sure how to explain it. He knows where I'm going to be
and I know where he's going to be.
Defensemen are often put into categories. They either are primarily focused on defending, or they are able to shoot the puck well from the blue line and are scorers.
Osacky's a little bit of both, Morris said.
Although Osacky only has one goal this year, he's racked up 20 assists. He said he likes to set up around the blue line in the center of the ice on power plays and let his one-timer fly at the goalie. He may not score often, but the shots create rebound opportunities for his teammates.
He's only going to get better
