Post by whalersgm on Sept 25, 2009 23:23:33 GMT -5
With the three quarter mark of the season fast approaching, there has been one solid constant in the season so far for the Hartford Whalers. If there was any doubt before the season started about Jeff O'Neill being named as captain, he has sent all those doubts to sleep with the fishes. I find it hard to find a guy that means more to his team than this guy. He has played every forward position this season, and has produced at all those positions. It's not the production that has most people around the league drooling at the fact that this powerhouse of a hockey player, could become an unrestricted free agent, but he is probably the best player in the league when you factor in his age and the complete game he brings to the table every night. Most in this league fear playing against him because he can pass with the best in the league, hit with them and score with them. Each and every shift is another example of why he should be named MVP this season. "Let's face it, this guy is the premier power forward in this league. He puts up the numbers, and will defend his teammates to the death. The guys in the room love this guy and they knew exactly what they were gonna get when they named him captain." Coach Ron Wilson is a firm backer of O'Neill, and he talks about him to anyone who will listen.
There are other more experienced players on this roster, and a few that may have more natural talent in this game. For the most part, nobody in this league brings all that he brings to the table every night. "When you see the effort Jeff puts out, you wanna be the guy to follow it up again and again. All the younger guys on our team look to him and figure they would like to be him down the road. I hope the league seriously considers him for MVP, because there are maybe 3-4 other guys in this league in the same class as him, but not one of them is the same player. Not even close." Doug Weight knows what it takes to become the leagues most valuable player, and he said he had a lot of natural talent, so the game came a little easier to him. O'Neill on the other hand, brings the game to every corner of the rink.
Second assistant, Brian Gionta, is one of those younger players that want to be like Jeff. In fact he has changed his game over the years to a more physical style because he wants the respect that O'Neill gets when he steps on the ice. From team mates and opponents alike. "I've been here with this team since the lean years, with Jeff by my side. I can honestly say that as it may be a biased opinion, since he is my long time friend and team mate, there is no better player in this league. Just look at the stats all across the board. He is a sniper, a punisher, a set up man and most of all, a defender of his team, no matter what the situation."
If this reporter had a vote, I would write Jeff O'Neills' name, with a big sharpie, on that ballot.
Bob Cobb'
Hartford Sports Bonanza.
There are other more experienced players on this roster, and a few that may have more natural talent in this game. For the most part, nobody in this league brings all that he brings to the table every night. "When you see the effort Jeff puts out, you wanna be the guy to follow it up again and again. All the younger guys on our team look to him and figure they would like to be him down the road. I hope the league seriously considers him for MVP, because there are maybe 3-4 other guys in this league in the same class as him, but not one of them is the same player. Not even close." Doug Weight knows what it takes to become the leagues most valuable player, and he said he had a lot of natural talent, so the game came a little easier to him. O'Neill on the other hand, brings the game to every corner of the rink.
Second assistant, Brian Gionta, is one of those younger players that want to be like Jeff. In fact he has changed his game over the years to a more physical style because he wants the respect that O'Neill gets when he steps on the ice. From team mates and opponents alike. "I've been here with this team since the lean years, with Jeff by my side. I can honestly say that as it may be a biased opinion, since he is my long time friend and team mate, there is no better player in this league. Just look at the stats all across the board. He is a sniper, a punisher, a set up man and most of all, a defender of his team, no matter what the situation."
If this reporter had a vote, I would write Jeff O'Neills' name, with a big sharpie, on that ballot.
Bob Cobb'
Hartford Sports Bonanza.