Claimed:Logan Laich Biography

[Devise 4,475]

Logan Laich Biography

 

 

Hometown: Wawota, Saskatchewan

Age: 21 

Position: Left Wing

Height: 6 Feet 3 Inches

Weight: 215lbs

 

 

 

A Hockey Family

 

 

Logan Laich may as well of been born to be a hockey player. As the younger brother of current NHL player Brooks Laich, Logan was introduced to hockey at the ripe age of 3 years old. Like his brother, Logan was enrolled in local novice hockey teams straight through to bantam. Growing up the Laich household lived and breathed hockey. Logan and Brooks could often be found at the local arena in his hometown of Wawota practicing and player year round. Otherwise Logan lived a rather normal childhood. Despite being the youngest of three children, Logan learned several redeeming qualities that he has since applied to his hockey career at a very young age. The most notable of being hard work and discipline. Everybody in the Laich household was required to carry their own weight. Despite being a hockey family, the Logan, Brooks, and his father all cheered for different NHL teams. Brooks was a Colorado Avalanche fan, as his favourite NHL player Joe Sakic played on the team. Their father was a Calgary Flames fan, preferring to be as local as possible. Logan however cheered for whatever team his favorite player, Brett Hull was on. Showing loyalty only to the eventual Hall of Famer, as opposed to any teams.

 

A Shift In The Path

 

 

Logan watched his brother Brooks get drafted in the NHL in 2001 to the Ottawa Senators. Logan was only nine years old the time his brother was drafted. But even then the expectation was very high for Logan as well. It was expected that Logan would follow his brothers path to the NHL. Like his brother, Logan was drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL in 2008. Logan would have a solid first season with the Warriors, posting 40 goals and 20 assists in 70 games played at the age of 16. Even more impressive was the smart defensive play Logan possessed. He also had a knack for going to the front of the net and hitting. Logan would only play half of the 2009-2010 season with Moose Jaw, his second with the team. While many scouts were comparing Logan to players like Dustin Brown and Ryan Callahan, he opted out of the traditional route to the NHL to focus on his studies and get into a high end university. Because of his actions Logan would go undrafted in the 2009-2010 NHL draft year as he made it into ivy league Columbia University in New York City. While Logan’s brother supported his decision, their parents were furious with his decision. While happy for their son, the Laich family were eager to see Logan in the NHL.

 

The Ivy Leagues

 

 

Brooks had convinced their parents that Logan was simply exploring other options and that when the time was right he would find his way to the NHL. While Columbia University did have a small hockey program, Logan opted out of it to completely focus on his studies much to the dissatisfaction of his parents. Logan would dedicate himself completely to his education and in three short years at Columbia would obtain a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. Friends close to Logan wondered if he would ever return to hockey, as Logan didn't seem to long for it or miss it one bit. Despite still being a fan of the sport, Logan himself was simply content exploring other avenues of life. His push to get his degree in three years required tons of extra man hours at school and was a challenge he was happy to overcome. It was at this point that Logan began to receive pressure from his parents to resume his hockey career. Logan was hesitant, happy with his new life. However a long conversation with Brooks convinced Logan to return to the sport he loved. Logan, now a 20 year old young man, was given a training camp opportunity with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League. Logan would make the team out of training camp and would suit up with the Americans for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons.

 

The Long Road To The NHL

 

 

Logan excelled with Rochester in his two seasons with the team. While the Americans would lose out in the first round of the playoffs in both seasons, they also would finish 2nd in their division each year. In the 2011-2012 season Logan put up 30 goals and 19 assists in 68 games played as well as 230 hits. Logan was again getting recognition for his two way play and his dedication all over the ice. Even more notable to his coaching staff was his leadership. Logan was never a follower on the ice, or in life it seemed. He would top his numbers the next season, scoring 34 goals and putting up 21 assists in 70 games played. Logan continued to throw his weight around also topping his hits number, with 250 hits. While there were certainly more effective point producers, his hockey sense and ability to do the right thing on the ice had scouts and NHL GM”s interested. At the end of the 2012-2013 season Logan was offered a rookie level contract to play with his brother on the Washington Capitals. The contract would offer Logan an opportunity to crack the Capitals roster at training camp and make it the sports most prestigious league. But once again Logan would choose not to follow and go his own path. Logan turned down the contract offer and decided to contemplate on his next move.

 

Journey to the Victory Hockey League

 

 

At this point in his life the only person who would speak to Logan was his brother Brooks. His parents had basically disowned him for refusing to go the NHL. While Brooks didn't understand why Logan would refuse the offer, he trusted Logan when he stated that it just didn't feel like the right fit. All Logan could say was that something felt off. Having saved some money in spring of 2013 Logan decided to travel much of the world. He spent time over much of Europe in countries such as Norway, Germany, and Sweden. He visited Russia, Spain and Italy. While Logan didn't exactly know what he was looking for, he continued to search for something. It was in late 2013 that Logan finally found what he was looking for. Despite his passion for the sport of hockey, Logan often felt that the NHL was filled with too much politics and drama for his taste. Looking at lock outs, contract situations, and how ruthless the league could be Logan was looking for something purer. He happened upon a flyer for the Victory Hockey League while in Helsinki Finland. Logan would then attend the Continental Cup Finals Game 3, 4, and 6 when Quebec won the Cup. He was amazed not only at the dedication of the players but just how passionate and connected the fans seemed. While sitting in the arena at Game Six, Ryan Power the agent of Quebec goalie Skylar Rift recognized Laich from his time in the AHL. After the two had discussions during the game, it was set. Logan Laich would join the Victory Hockey League.

 

Pros

 

Slapshot - Logan fancies himself as a power forward. While a lot of power forwards may just be about hitting, Logan also has a bullet of a slap shot that often finds the net. Whether on the man advantage or coming down the wing, his slap shot is something VHL goalies will learn to fear.

 

Defensively Responsible - Logan is committed to the two way approach to hockey. He does not believe in any free passes anywhere on the ice. He will back check hard, block shots, cover for his defenders if they move up. On top of being committed and hard working to the defensive aspects of the game, Logan also has a good sense of defensive awareness on the ice.

 

Net Drive and Leadership - One of the primary attributes to a great power forward is the ability to drive the net. While he does have a great slap shot, often times Logan will just power towards the net, using his skating and size to push the play to the goalie. On top of that, he has no hesitation playing the game in front of the net to screen the goalie or look for deflections. Logan is also an excellent leader. He has been found to motivate and inspire the locker room and push his teammates to perform at their absolute best.

 

Cons

 

Passing - While he may be able to execute simple passes, his passing game leaves a lot to be desired. Logan often prefers to dump the puck into the zone or make a simple play than try any fancy passing plays. Thus he shouldn't be expected to pile up a ton of assists.

 

Puck Handling - Unlike most elite forwards Logan doesn't possess the ability to handle the puck as if it were “on a string” as the saying goes. Logan prefers to power through defenders as opposed to deke around them. While he doesn't often try to handle the puck fancy, in situations that force him to it will more often than not result in a turnover.

 

Over Aggressive - While Logan is a disciplined focus player, his desire to throw the body often times comes across as reckless. Due to this he will find himself in the penalty box more than he might like. More so his aggressive behavior will sometimes put him and his team in a bad position on the ice. Whether that is going for the big hit at the wrong time, creating a scrum in front of the goalie, or chirping the other team. Logan is a very passionate player and sometimes needs to be reigned in check.

 

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

Overview: 3/3 - Growing up as the younger brother to an NHL player like Brooks Laich must have put a lot of pressure on young Logan. I don't think it should be too much of a surprise to anyone that Logan decided to choose his own path to glory instead of forever being Brooks's younger brother. Overall, this was a great bio and an enjoyable read.

 

Grammar: 1.75/2 - I know the article was long, but this was still a pretty large list of mistakes, so a slight deduction is necessary.

 

age. The most notable of being = age, the most notable being

the Logan = Logan

player, Brett Hull  = player, Brett Hull,

old the time = old at the time

his brothers = his brother's

Helsinki Finland= Helsinki, Finland

Slapshot = Slap Shot

shots, cover = shots, and cover

 handle the puck fancy = handle the puck fancily

ice. Whether = ice, whether

 

Presentation: 1/1 - Very nice. 

 

Pros: 2/2 - Over 200 words and solid.

 

Cons: 2/2 - Over 200 words and solid.

 

Overall: 9.75/10

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