Bruins Frank Vatrano - A Thunderous Quick Release
The Boston Bruins must make it happen this year and be in contention for
the Stanley Cup. This is the expectation. More than an expectation. One thing
they have to do is shore up the defense, but they also have to work on a more
potent offense. One player that they seem to be counting on is
Frank Vatrano from East
Longmeadow, MA. Last season he scored his first goal in the NHL in his debut
with the Bruins in Montreal....pretty impressive. He made an impression, but was
sent back down to the Providence Bruins where he led the AHL in goal scoring and
won the Willie Marshall Award for the 2015-16 season. You could sense that the
Bruins had future plans for him. When he was called up at season's end it was
evident that he was more comfortable and confident in playing in the NHL. He
knew his strengths and he knew where he had to improve. He played well.
After last season Vatrano played for the USA Team in the IHF World
Championships in Russia. He played in the same line with the sensational young
player, Auston Matthews, the first draft pick of the NHL who will be playing for
the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vatrano had a very respectable goal and 2 assists in 4
games in the World Championships. An indicator to me on how much Vatrano loves
and is dedicated to hockey is that no sooner did he get off the plane from
Russia, he showed up at the first Summer League game at the Olympia Ice Center
in West Springfield, MA ! Most players would rest for a week or two, not
Vatrano. Even though only a local "Summer League", he used the opportunity to
practice and work on his game in leading the 14-0 Milano's Team to the League
Championship. In doing so he led the league in scoring with something like an
outrageous 60 points in only 14 games, and much of the competition was pretty
darn good.
The Bruins are now engaged in a "Captains" Camp, a pre-season informal camp
led by the players (captains). Their work-outs have been at Boston University
but hey will soon move over to their brand new Bruins Warrior Ice Arena Practice
Facility at Boston Landing in Brighton, MA that officially opens today. For 25
years they had previously practiced, pre-season, at the Ristuccia Arena in
Wilmington, MA. The new practice facility seats 650 people. The formal training
camp of the Boston Bruins begins on September 23.
The scuttlebutt around the Boston area and the media, is that the Bruins
will be counting on Vatrano to help improve their offensive punch. But it won't
be easy and he will have to earn it. In addition to his hockey skills a major
positive with Vatrano is his attitude. He knows that he has to continue work on
his all around game, and he welcomes and is ready for competition as far as
earning a spot. His greatest asset is his quick release, thunderous, and
accurate shot at the goal. It almost makes you shudder when he releases it and I
saw it plenty of times during Summer League play.
Let's look at the Bruin's offense. With Loui Eriksson gone to Vancouver,
this certainly opens up an opportunity for Vatrano. Brad Marchand and Patrice
Bergeron are solid parts of the offense. But then there are David Pastrnak,
David Krejci (recovering form surgery), David Backes, Matt Beleskey, Jimmy
Hayes, and Ryan Spooner. In addition the Bruins have acquired Dominic Moore,
and veteran player, Peter Mueller, who has recently spent 3 years playing in
Europe. So it won't be easy for Vatrano to break into the Bruins line up as a
regular.
I personally think that Vatrano WILL become a Bruins regular for several
reasons. First and foremost is his scoring punch which the Bruins definitely
need. In addition he has been working on his all around game and has improved
in this area significantly. Further is his attitude...to keep learning and
improving his game, and his willingness to take on all competition in a positive
way to play. Still further is his age, he is only 22 with a great future in
front of him where he will only get better. Another major factor is that Bruce
Cassidy, his coach at the Providence Bruins, will be on Boston's coaching staff
this season. Cassidy helped develop Vatrano further and is fully aware of what
he is capable of doing out there on the ice. A final and very important factor
is the line that they place Vatrano on. When you have a guy who can definitely
score you need to get him the puck. It is simple as that!
With the experience that he gained in the NHL last season. With his
continuing dedication to improve his all around game. I believe that Frank
Vatrano with not only break into the Boston Bruins line up as a regular, but he
will become a star, not only this season, but for many years to come.
Go Frank !
Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service
(Note: Image News Service will be covering the Basketball Hall of Fame
Enshrinement Ceremonies this weekend.)
No comments:
Post a Comment