What is the Golden Bears Hockey team doing right?
After coming off a seven-game win streak, it's easy to see what the Bears are doing right and which players fans should keep an eye on.
Fair FramesThe Golden Bears Hockey team recently had a seven-game win streak to start the season with a 5-0-0 home game record, carrying them up to first in the Canada West Eastern conference and third in U Sports.
Even with their recent loss to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, it’s not hard to see what they’re doing right, and what they could improve on.
Power play? Amazing. Penalty kill? Could use some work
The Bears shine on power plays with a record of nine power play goals in eight games thanks to clear leaders on the team.
Bears Captain Josh Prokop leads the power play unit with two goals and one assist, marking his only goals scored so far. Apart from scoring, he leads the team in his ability to set up plays and identify open slots during the odd man advantage.
Prokop has averaged a 14-15 goals to assist ratio the past three seasons with the Bears, however this year he has a 2-6 ratio. Is his ability to see the play and go for the assist a new pattern he’s developed since wearing the C? It’s not necessarily a bad thing if it is.
On the other hand, the Bears have given up eight power play goals. Managing to score only twice on the shorthand. At times, the Bears can be passive on the penalty kill by dumping the puck in desperation plays only for it to get picked up by the opposing team. Yet, the team maintains better positional awareness when playing three on five, a skill that can be built upon.
Coming off pre-season, Head Coach Ian Herbers said they’ve “had some really good penalty kill combinations.” With the season still young and an impressive record behind them, this is something the team can work on to gain another healthy win streak.
Tyler Palmer is the goalie the Bears didn’t know they needed
According to Herbers, goalie Tyler Palmer has “come in and proved he can play in this league,” and it’s not hard to see why.
Palmer kickstarted the season with a 4-0 shutout against the Manitoba Bisons on October 12. Since then he’s had a career high with a 0.922 save percentage and 83 saves over eight games.
Where he really stands out is his ability to track the puck over snap plays. But more impressive is his awareness behind the net — an area of play that typically proves to be a weak spot for goalies.
Is Brett Hyland really worth the hype? Seems like it
After joining the team late and spending the series against MacEwan transitioning to the organization, Brett Hyland has become a scoring leader with a 0.368 shooting percentage. Until recently he was averaging a goal a game with six assists in eight games.
What really sets him over the edge is his ability to drive the play into the offence as opposed to trying to dump the puck. He knows when to stay open and look to the next play, demonstrating a wealth of hockey knowledge.
What makes his case unique is that he did not score during his first two games. Instead he caught up to his average by scoring three goals in the third period against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Defensive pairings Marc Lajoie and Aiden de la Gorgendiere
Bears defensive partners Aidan de la Gorgendiere and Marc Lajoie have dominated the defensive zone. However, where they really shine is keeping the puck in the offence through a neutral zone trap. Each bringing something different to the ice, together they check every box.
De la Gorgendiere is a play maker out of the defensive zone, creating scoring opportunities for other players every game so far. Partnering with Hyland, they consistently generate goals when on the ice.
Fans don’t realize Lajoie is on the ice until he causes a change in play, either by scoring or delivering a critical hit. This is rather impressive when you consider his 6’6, 227 pound build.
The veteran lineup contributes heavily to the team
The veteran lineup showed up to camp in great shape and have not disappointed since. Tyler Preziuso, Eric Florchuck, Justin Hall, Adam Hall, Alex Thacker, Blake Gustafson, Mason Ward, as well as other players, were crucial to the team’s stability early in the season. Even with 11 new rookies to the team, it’s easy for fans to see wear the Bears have experience in playing a high intensity game.
CORRECTION: This article was updated on November 2, 2024 at 9:18 a.m. to reflect that the Bears have given up eight power play goals, not 11. The Gateway truly regrets this error.
