Early Season Report: Eric Parker (Las Vegas Aces)

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Early Season Report on Eric Parker

            The Las Vegas Aces blue liner has been adjusting to the VHLM. In thirteen games Parker has 3 goals and 3 assists for a total of 6 points. Parker was selected in the 4^th round of the VHLM draft last month and is looking for every opportunity to prove himself. On the Las Vegas Aces defensive depth chart, he is ranked third making him the second pair D option for the Aces. There were obvious growing pains for Parker seeing that many of his points have come during the last 4 games, but this is showing the young blue liner’s ability to adapt to the game and his position on the ice. Parker has done a decent job of balancing his game while having 6 points he also has a plus/minus of +3. With that being said out of all the teams in the VHLM only two have a negative goal differential Las Vegas and Oslo. Las Vegas has to begin to create more shot opportunities if they are looking to climb the rankings again. This means that Parker is going to have to take more shots. After 13 games Parker has 24 shots putting at 1.82 shots per game. Averaging right under 2 shots per game is not going to help Las Vegas’ scoring drought. Parker’s problem is that he sometimes holds onto the puck too long looking for the perfect scoring chance. Part of playing in the VHLM is getting pucks towards the net. It will add pressure to the net minder while also adding to the opportunity for juicy rebounds for Parker’s line mates. Parker’s hockey IQ is great but the downside to it is that sometimes the right thing is very simple and often overlooked. There have been some great highlight reel goals and assists from the youngster, but in order to put more points on the board and help the team out overall Parker needs to throw the puck on net more.

            Parker’s defensive side of his game is good. As previously mentioned he has a +3 and has not allowed for more than a -1 stat in any of his games. He is responsible when he is on the ice and has been reliable as a defender when his team needs him to be. As a mid sized defensemen Parker needs to assert himself more physically on the ice. In 13 games, he has only 15 hits averaging just over 1 hit a game. Parker needs to be better about finishing his checks and wearing down the opponent physically with his presence. This will in turn lead to more offensive opportunities for his team and help Las Vegas in their struggles.

            Parker is obviously focused on the VHLM season right now but is excited about the possibility of representing his country at the VWJC. He is very passionate about asserting his presence as an American hockey player. He is very excited about joining a young and exciting team of Americans who will look to bring home the gold for their country.

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