Freddie's Fodder: The Emergence of Yadlowski

I recall a time, nearly two years ago when the Lethbridge Hurricanes were in the WHL Final against the Spokane Chiefs. During the majority of that playoff run, a then 16 year old rookie, was sitting not far from me, high above the Enmax Centre ice in the media/coaching staff booth. This young man was keeping himself busy not playing an on-ice starring role, instead he was text messaging friends and family, filling them in of the unfolding drama on the ice. At the time he was wide eyed, awe-struck like many young players would be, and trying to soak in what was happening all around him. Electric, capacity crowds, thrilling playoff action, heart-stopping excitement. Is this really what life in the WHL is like all the time? For this rookie he was forced into the role of spectator as he watched older, more experienced blue liners such as Jeff May, Mitch Versteeg, Jesse Craige, Ben Wright, and Luca Sbisa shoulder the workload. During that nineteen game journey, three Hurricanes averaged a point a game or better – the first two will not come as a major surprise – Zach Boychuck and Mitch Fadden, the other will probably catch you off guard. Well, that was then, many wonderful memories for lots of us who were captivated by the unfolding drama. Unfortunately the Canes’ will not be apart of the post-season party this year, but one player in particular I think has grown leaps and bounds individually since that memorable run.

Brennan Yadlowski only appeared in one playoff game during that journey, that being the Hurricanes’ season ending loss to Spokane. Yadlowski had an assist in that hockey game to join the dynamic duo of Fadden and Boychuk as the only Canes’ players to finish that memorable run averaging a point a game or better. Sure, Yadlowski would preferred to have played a bigger part of the on ice action, but I strongly believe he learned a lot during those eight weeks and has continued his steady incline of improvement since then.

Throughout the season I have really liked what I have seen as far as the continued development of Yadlowski. It really all started back in August, when everyone that follows the hockey club got our first glimpse of the physically revamped rearguard. He came to camp much stronger compared to when he departed last spring following the second round exit at the hands of the Calgary Hitmen. In terms of progressions, the young defender has been making as a player, there are many! His defensive play has come so far especially over the past six months. On many nights this year, in particular of late – Yadlowski, for me has become a stalwart on the Hurricanes back end. The thing that I notice the most is his gap control. Forwards simply don’t beat Yadlowski one-on-one anymore. He reads the play so well and tracks the puck in textbook fashion ensuring he’s in the right spot to make the right play on the player that he is responsible for. Case in point earlier this week against Red Deer. Elite forwards Willie Coetzee and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had no answer to beat Yads’ as his teammates call him. Key matchup – top line for the Rebels against the Yadlowski pairing and the Hurricanes win that pivotal battle which I felt was a major factor in them getting the two points.

In addition to his strong one on play, Yadlowski has also grown a lot in terms of leading his teams breakout. Increased confidence is apparent in the way that he makes quality decisions while carrying the puck up ice. The vision Yadlowski is showing on a nightly basis, has to be making the coaching staff real pleased with what they’re seeing in his play. The 1991 born defender from Edmonton wins more board battles now than he loses, and has steadily gotten better on the powerplay as the year has progressed. He’s amongst the team leaders in blocked shots, and has a strong, active stick that frustrates opposing forwards to no end. The final thing that has impressed me a great deal is Brennan’s poise when he gets the puck on his stick. He no longer rushes to make decisions, instead is distributing the puck exactly where it needs to get to. The only thing still missing are the steady stream of goals and assists. However, with all of the key traits of being a top end defenseman falling into place, trust me when I say those statistical gains aren’t too far away.

Moving forward, I think the Hurricanes have three very good current 18 year olds, who will play a major role in determining whether or not this organization can return to the playoff party next season. Yadlowski, along with forwards Austin Fyten and Cam Braes form that trio, and all are players I think that Canes’ fans should be pretty excited about moving forward.

Fred

Fred Jack is the Colour Analyst on Hurricanes Radio Broadcasts on CJOC