Miklavz Adapting to Riga's System

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When Anze Miklavz played in Mexico City two seasons ago, the message was loud and clear for the players.

 

 “Just have fun”.

 

The Kings were back in rebuild mode at the time after coming off a Founders Cup winning season, which meant a lot of minutes for the young upcoming star. It also meant all offense, no defense – and shown by example on his stats for that year, with 42 goals and a -44.

 

Miklavz used the next season in the VHLM with the Houston Bulls to focus on his defensive play, and turned it around with a +10 and much more improved possession numbers. In his rookie season with the Riga Reign, it’s a whole new style for the young scoring winger. The team has implemented a defense-first 1-3-1 system that eliminates space from the opposing team, but limits their own chances to create offense.

 

“As the forechecking winger, it’s a lot of north-south skating – chasing pucks and cramming up the neutral zone” Miklavz said after yesterday’s practice. “I’ve never had to play in a system like this, we are winning on pure defense and unbelievable goaltending from Driver”.

 

The Reign have only allowed 83 goals so far this season, the best in the league by 7 goals to Calgary’s 90. They’re also second last in the league in goals for with just 94, which is crazy to believe that a team with 94 goals is second place in the Euro conference.

 

Miklavz is hoping to create more offense for his team in the second half of the season – but for now, the defensive play he focused on in the VHLM is paying off.