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Josh Avedisian
11-30-08

Theirs no doubting the Icehawks talent and ability to win. They have a top 5 player in the league in Tab Lardner. They also bring to the table guys like Jeff Zehr, Kris Vernarsky, Nick Lindberg and Jamie Carroll. But for the Icehawks to be a top contender for this year's Turner Cup, they will need to find consistency in the lineup from top to bottom.

As of November 30th the Icehawks have a record of 10 wins and 9 losses. After starting the season out 0-4 they came back to win 7 of there next 8 games. Before last nights game against the Flint Generals, the Icehawks were on a 3 game losing streak that dropped them back to .500.

The top players on the team are having the year they are expected to have. As of now Nick Lindberg leads the team in points with 19 then Jamie Carroll is proving last year was no fluke as he is in 2nd with 18 points then you have Zehr, Lardner and Vernarsky all after that in points.

Its great to see the top players getting it done, but the Icehawks will need the rookies and the role players to step up if this team wants to win the cup, or changes will need to be made.

Last year with the Icehawks they had 2 rookies who did more then impressed, they helped the team win hockey games more times then not. Both Jamie Carroll and Josh Aspenlind played key roles in getting the Icehawks to the Turner Cup Finals. This year, the Icehawks have yet to find a new Josh Aspenlind or Jamie Carroll to step up and help the team win hockey games.

Kerry Bowman, a rookie who came in late last season has just 1 goal and 4 assists he also has a plus/minus rating of -9 the worse on the team. Rookie Joel Gasper continues to not impress only scoring 1 goal on the year in limited playing time. Defenseman rookie Rob Cowan who is also returning from last year's team has kind of slid into the team's fighter role when needed. But he also has not been impressive with 0 points in limited ice time. However, rookie Derek Patrosso has impressed with the Icehawks. After being recently signed he has found his way on the top line with Tab Lardner and Kris Vernarsky. But besides one weekend when he scored 2 goals and 1 assist. Patrosso has been struggling to get points.

The role players are a tough position to rate on. These guys aren't suppose to be your big goal scorers but they are suppose to step in when the top lines are struggling and keep the team alive. This year's Icehawks have not found consistency yet in those types of palyers. Guys like Jason Chafe and Jason Selleke have not filled the depth that this team needs to win hard fought hockey games.

First place Muskegon LumberJacks are a fine example of consistency down the line up. Player like rookie Alec Kirschner, Bill Bagron are helping this team keep there high flying scoring attack keep them in first place. The surprise team, Kalamazoo has Mark Nebus, a player who only had 1 goal all of last season, tied for the team lead in goals scored with 11. Rookie Rick Cleaver has been a good find for them as well.

Its no reason to hit a panic button. There is still time for one of these rookies to break out and have a huge season. The role players have proven track records of helping teams win hockey games and can still do so. But in a 6 team league where no team is a push over the Icehawks will need to find consistency fast if they want to make a serious run at the championship, which they will desperately need to do.