SCHIERHORN PLAYING WITH INCREASED CONFIDENCE
Rookie forward making most of surprising season
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
By Todd Gottula
Tri-City Storm Communications
KEARNEY, Neb. – Brad Schierhorn watches hockey the same way a coach does.
“I’m always analyzing the little things that make a difference and try to be a good student of the game,” says Schierhorn. “Whether it’s watching game film or college and pro games on TV, I’m always breaking down other players and trying to see what works and doesn’t.”
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| Rookie forward Brad Schierhorn has seven goals and three assists in 24 games this season for the Tri-City Storm |
As a first-year player in the United States Hockey League, Schierhorn is learning what it takes to produce consistently for the Tri-City Storm.
“The speed of the game, talent level and intensity are pretty much what I expected,” admits the native of Anchorage, Alaska. “The biggest realization has been how little room there is for error. Guys are on you quick in this league. You can’t hide out there, and one little mistake or letdown will cost you.”
A 6-foot-2, 180-pound forward, Schierhorn has been one of the Storm’s hottest players over the past month. In a span of eight games before the team’s holiday break, the Dartmouth College recruit scored 4 goals and 2 assists as the Storm won seven of eight games.
Storm Assistant Coach Eric Fink said Schierhorn’s play has been a surprise.
“It’s tough for first-year guys to come into the league and have success. When Brad got here, the expectation was that he would provide some energy as a third- or fourth-line guy,” Fink said.
At the start of the season, Schierhorn admits, suiting up and getting into the lineup was considered an accomplishment.
“I spent some time sitting in the stands, learning and watching,” Schierhorn says. “That was tough, but it allowed me to study the game and learn what it took to play at this level.”
After bouncing in and out of the lineup, Schierhorn earned more playing time by not making mistakes.
“Brad is an intelligent player who doesn’t panic when he has the puck,” said Fink. “He doesn’t get caught up in the moment and keeps a level head. Our coaching staff recognized that and decided to give him three games with the top lines to see how he handled it.
“He immediately started scoring and ran with it,” added Fink. “You could see his confidence increase.”
Schierhorn, 18, says he feels more comfortable on the ice, and his goal heading into the second half of the season is to be more consistent.
“I’m not going to be counting goals and points. I don’t set those kinds of goals,” he says. “Instead, I want to be a guy the team can count on every night to show up, play hard and capitalize on opportunities.
“I’m having a lot of fun right now,” Schierhorn adds. “I’m really enjoying this.”