Monday, May 23, 2011

Protected Players List, Part 1 of 14: 1000 Islands Privateers

As I said earlier, you'll be getting 5 players a day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until the training camp starts. The feature begins then, with the Privateers' first 5 protected picks.

Look for the overall theme here to be locking down their star offensive players, which built their trademark gameplay last season; blisteringly fast offensive rushes that succeeded in goal-scoring more often than not, but at the cost of sub-par defense. The defense won't be addressed very well with this list, and they'll certainly have to be in the market for a stable of top 4 defenseman before October.


Justin Levac
Stats: 22 y/o Right Wing; 35 GP, 19 G, 18 A, 37 Pts, +15

Thoughts: A 22 year old with 6 seasons of pro hockey under his belt is a commodity most people would kill for. Still time to develop, and a point per game player anyway. In those 35 games he contributed 6 PPG and 5 PPA, making him a large factor in why the Privateers' powerplay was so dangerous.

Verdict: He's staying, no questions asked. Look for him to anchor the offensive core for the Privateers all season long. 1st line player, 1st PP unit.


Ryan Pearson
Stats: 21 y/o Winger; 44 GP, 14 G, 26 A, 40 Pts, +8

Thoughts: Plays a hard-hitting, aggressive game that clicks very well with the Privateers. Could do well to tone down some of the calls next season. 40 point offense with 43 penalty minutes in 44 games tells me he could have racked up quite a few more points if he spent less time in the box. Low +/- v. Pts differential indicative of team-wide need for tighter defense. Lethal in the playoffs as well, contributing 8 points in as many games. Highlight of the season for Danbury fans undoubtedly his deliberate high stick that left Lucas Schott needing some extensive dental work done.

Verdict: Stays. Edgy, productive game.

Tyler Fernandez
Stats: 22 y/o LW; 43 GP, 23 G, 44 A, 67 Pts, +22

Thoughts: With a proven EJHL record, Fernandez is counted on to break across the blue line to get the offense going, and his production this season proved he does it very well. Comfortably over a point per game, responsible defensively, and not too shabby on the powerplay either. Not too much more to ask for in a 1st line winger.

Verdict: Doesn't make sense to get rid of a D1 player. Fernandez stays, no doubt about it.  

Bryan Marks
Stats: 24 y/o Defenseman; 31 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 Pts, +1

Thoughts: Exactly the player the Privateers need to build around this season, he plays a hard hitting defensive game and is counted on to QB the powerplay as well. While his passing and shooting are solid, you can't fill the role of 1st line Defenseman and powerplay QB with a +1. Even if he throws up another 10 point season this Fall, those point passes may need to be toned back in favor of slightly more conservative play. May be a more convenient solution to keep him a stay at home defenseman and search for an additional powerplay man.

Verdict: Can't do his job alone; needs some help, but they'll be building around him to get it done.

Chase Tippin
Stats: 24 y/o Right Wing; 7 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt, -2

Thoughts: At 6'2 and 210, with 22 penalty minutes in 7 games, and production numbers like that, it's obvious why they brought him on. Everybody needs their bruiser, and Tippin is an intimidating presence on the ice for sure. While rosters are still shaking up, we'll see how high he sits on the fighter totem pole by the time October comes around. One thing is for sure, the Privateers needed someone to stick up for the team badly coming into the stretch and if he doesn't contribute anything else, he certainly fills that role without a problem.

Verdict: If he's staying, he'll have a whole season to prove he can protect his teammates; 7 games wasn't enough to make a true call on Tippin.

It's hard to say if any of these players will be used as trade bait prior to the start of the season. Everything right now points to the core forwards staying around, but with the point production the Privateers had, it's not like they can't afford to push one or two guys out in return for a defensive uptake. 

Until Wednesday, when we'll post the next 5 Privateers players. 





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