Introduction to the Dead Rabbits

The following is a potential talent analysis and by no means reflects the current state of being for each character in question.  However, the following is reflective of each player's likely trajectory based on their natural and manufactured ability, channeled by their love of the game and the teammates they are prepared to bleed for on the Dead Rabbits.  The depictions used are based on the exclusive observations of Aaron Asselstine and Curt Romey.  Blessings and welcome to all who wish to follow the Dead Rabbits and their exploits on Puckpotpourri!  

Jeremy Eitzen:  Known to teammates and fans as simple 'Eitz,' this first year player is looking to make a name for himself.  Without question his major strengths are his tenacity and ability to close the gap between himself and the opposing puck carrier.  He does this through a deceptive acceleration that fools the opposition into thinking they have more time then they actually do.  He is no stranger to the lip of the goal crease either, and is more than willing to play the role of antagonist if it brings glory to the Dead Rabbits.

Potential comparison:  Rene Bourque

Chris Eitzen:  Don't take the moniker of 'Lil Eitz' too literally.  Chris is an imposing figure. Combine this asset with a top speed that is far above average for his size and you have the explanation for why defenders usually prefer to just get out of the way rather than check him.  This missile cannot be missed.  He is the only player in the league sporting bright yellow pants, a warning beacon to those in his way.  When at his best he is playing a simply yet effective North-South game and he has the pain threshold of a dead animal.  When crashing around he creates extra room for his brother Jeremy and other teammates.

Potential comparison:  Ryan Clowe

Brad Spence:  This player prides himself in sound positioning.  Not the fleetest of foot Brad makes up for this deficiency by using a long stick.  He wields it like a true craftsman and because of his lanky figure has the span of an albatross.  Most of his goals will come from in tight were he is deadly accurate.  Brads game is low risk.  He rarely coughs up the puck because of his keen sense of timing, be it to hack it out or to find a supporting teammate. 

Potential comparison:  Ryan Malone

Ryan Spence:  Generously listed at 5'8, 120 lbs, 'mini Spence' overcompensates his diminutive size with top-end lateral shiftiness.  He reads the play well and is always looking for opportunistic turnovers.  Although this sometimes means he is late coming back for defensive assignments, Ryan is a player your sure glad you have when your behind in a game.  Has the ability to make flatfooted defenseman look silly.  He also has the envious ability to shoot the puck accurately while in mid stride.

Potential comparison: Danny Briere

Trevor Eidsness:  Trevor is as smooth as they come.  To call his game flashy would be erroneous, but what he does well he makes look easy.  He sets his feet and contorts his body so that he gets full leverage on all of his shots.  This pays off for him in spades.  The velocity he generates surprises opposing goalies.  Statistical evidence does not lie; he is always at or near the highest shooting percentage on the team.  It's a wonder he doesn't shoot more, yet this fact is a testament to how well he shares the puck.  Is rumored to leave a second water bottle in the penalty box where he is no stranger.

Potential comparison: Chris Kunitz

Jordan Stellingwerff:  Jordan leaves a lasting impression on opposing defensemen.  He is one of those guys whose hard play leaves the opposition checking for his number.  The corollary of reciprocated aggressiveness means power plays for the Dead Rabbits.  He draws the most penalties on the team by far, usually because he's being hauled down in the midst of his gritty cycles along the boards.  A tireless skater, he uses all 200 feet of the ice.  Not to mention, for a forward he blocks a ton of shots.  With his style of play there is always the fear that minor injuries will accumulate.  When asked about this he was quoted as saying,“That's what the off-season is for.”Fair enough.

Potential comparison:  Mike Fisher.

Aaron Asselstine:  Aaron plays a robust game.  He has a long power stride.  This, in combination with his size, makes him hard to catch, let alone check while he is in full flight.  When at his best he is protecting the puck with his large frame; when tucked down low and leading with his shoulders it is nearly impossible for back checkers to steal the puck away from him.  Loves lugging the puck up the ice preferring to look for solid tape-to-tape outlet passes rather then the old 'chip and chase'.  He has great chemistry with his defensive partner Curt.  At the defensive end he is rarely beaten and never gives up on the play, and his use of the sprawl is an art form.  It is well-timed and used as often for blocking shots as for reducing odd man rushes to a state of futility.

Potential comparison: Niklas Kronwall.

Curt Romey:  Hockey sense just makes sense to Curt.  A player who defines poise and intelligence, Romey makes difficult plays look simple.  Always thinking, Curt employs a smooth skating style with quick hands to maneuver in close, deftly picking his way through opposition checkers.  When faced with a goal and go situation he rarely misses, and he defines offense from the defense.  While not physically imposing, Curt is unafraid to battle along the boards, using his superior stick skills to come away with the puck nearly every time.  Further, Curt provides defensive leadership by willingly sacrificing his body to block shots, and is in continuous conversation with his defensive partner Aaron, who he shares excellent chemistry with.  

Potential comparison: Brian Rafalski

Nic Depaulo: A trigger man from the point, Nic can shoot the puck.  His hard slapper is a much needed weapon, as Dead Rabbit forwards excel in front of the opposition net.  A shifty skater and a solid passer, particularly when defensive partner Brennan is gliding at his wing, Nic brings a well rounded bag of tools to the table.  But above all, it is his shot that sets him apart, and it is his shot that will bring him offensive glory.  As mentioned, Nic combines with Brennan to form a strong defensive pairing for the Dead Rabbits, and their experience together is proved in production at both ends of the ice.    

Potential comparison: Roman Hamerlik

Brennan Hanson: A straw that stirs, that's Brennan.  Blessed with deceptive speed and a good shot, Brennan can often be seen creating havoc in the offensive zone with his defensive partner Nic.  While offensively gifted, Brennan doesn't shirk his defensive responsibilities and rarely turns the puck over.  Perhaps his greatest skill is his ability to create space in the defensive zone through a combination of patience and positioning.  He deftly shifts his body and the puck, while forcheckers crash and burn around him; offense ensues for Brennan and his teammates on the Dead Rabbits.  His calm demeanor cements him as a leader on the back end. 

Potential comparison: Mark Giordano

Chris Lawson: The Dead Rabbits keeper is a throwback in every sense of the word.  Calm and cool under pressure, Chris combines a vintage standup style with his rapier like glove hand to turn aside the hopes and dreams of opponent shooters.  Blessed with remarkable size, Chris often overwhelms opposing forwards, regardless of the situation.  The old maxim is true for this minder of nets: If he sees the puck, he will stop the puck.  And when the opposition crosses that invisible line known as fair play, Chris has been known to speak sweet nothings to the referee, resulting in Dead Rabbit power plays.  Chris is the keeper needed for a run at the Surrey Central Championship, and glory will be his, particularly if he is able to harness his emotions when Dead Rabbit defenders expose him to the fire.

Potential comparison: Kirk Mclean

Enjoy, come out to our games and debate! 

Curt and Aaron
Skate