NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – The biggest road stretch of the season begins today for the Brahmas and every little bit is necessary for the weekend to be crucial. Here are three young men that Head Coach Al Rooney has designated as “Players to Watch”.
Sam Gagnon – After spending the first half of the season in Canada, Sam returned to the Brahmas last weekend and piled up five points in his debut weekend. While five points a weekend may be a bit unrealistic to expect, Rooney feels very strongly that Sam will continue contributing at an alarming rate.
"Sam's a veteran player that possesses skill and speed and has been an immediate shot of energy to the lineup both on and off the ice. Placing him on a line with Hay and fellow newcomer Trey Greene has given us an entire new line. It’s nice to have Oliver back post-World Junior Championship and pairing Sam with him has made an immediate impact."
Bryan Whelan: #10 has been a force up front for the Brahmas all season long. He’s averaging over a point-per-game, well on his way to a 30 goal – 30 assist season and continues to be in the top standings of +/-. For roughly the last two months he’s been paired with Ryan Dunner and Kyle Galloway but as of late it’s been a change in scenery for the New York native.
"Putting him back with Zack Andersen I think provides us some depth of scoring, especially with our 3rd line producing with addition of Gagnon. It will open up the ice for everyone. Whelan has great speed, which creates space allowing him to get off his accurate shot. He's deadly in the slot for us.," Rooney said.
Jacob Elrod: After missing partner George Hansen last weekend due to his North American Hockey League call-up, there’s hopes that all will return to normality this weekend and Elrod will reap the rewards of it.
Furthermore reasoning from Rooney suggests, “A sort of homecoming of sorts for Elrod to return and play close to his Nashville home. He has embraced a larger role this season than he had with Nashville last year and his play has taken off as a result. Recently named to the Top Prospects game, I expect to see Jacob charged up and ready to make an impact at both ends of the ice this weekend for us."