Claimed:Slaughter Back to Real Practice

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Slaughter's Back

 

It was a long off-season for New York American sophomore centre Tom Slaughter. The American product and the rest of his New York team barely missed the post-season in Season 37, but not without trying on their part, losing the spot in the very last game of the season. It was disappointing, mainly because Slaughter wanted to make it to the playoffs in his first season in the league. The Americans were right on the cusp last season and with a newly bolstered line-up, they look poised to be Cup contenders in Season 38. Slaughter learned the hard way the worst part of the off-season is when you have a lot of time to kill. With this writer creativity somewhat tapped, Slaughter has enjoyed lighter training as of late.

 

"It was a real shame that we lost out to Seattle like we did after leading them most of the season. I really think we had a pretty underrated squad last year, but it is what it is. We essentially mailed the berth away by losing to one of the worst teams twice down the stretch. This season I don't think we'll be the same way. We've added a lot of veteran experience to the roster now and we really have a tonne of skill. Our record speaks for itself at this point, but it is early," Slaughter said.

 

 

The Americans and Slaughter have gotten off to a fast start. The forward seems to be the type of player who starts slow after two consecutive low point total starts in two seasons in the VHL. Slaughter's role is somewhat lessened by the addition of all-star centre Wesley Kellinger, who is easily far more skilled than the American at this point in their respective careers. Kellinger also brings championship experience and a lot of practice hours. Despite Slaughter's inefficiencies, he has been able to retain his role as the team's top line centre with the coaches liking the chemistry formed between Tordahl, Slaughter and Xiao last season and the coaches' desire for more second line production. The free agent acquisition has paid dividends thus far for the team.

 

The Americans are now 15-0-2, cruising out in front of the league as the dominant team thus far. Tordahl once again sits on top of the league in points through 17 contests with an excellent 36 points. At this pace, Tordahl will likely capture the Campbell Trophy as the league's most valuable player. The aforementioned Xiao appears to be Tordahl's main benefactor thus far this season with 32 points. Kellinger has pitched in with 25 points this season while Slaughter has recorded 23 through 17. Although Slaughter's stats have improved from last season, he'd still like to see more production.

 

 

"I still don't want to come off as a liability to the team. I need to continue to improve my faceoffs since our line is dynamite with the puck. I'm not all about the points, I like to contribute to the team anyway I can and so far our team's success is the most important thing. I can't complain when we haven't lost a game in regulation through our first 17. We have a darn good team this year. We have a lot of skill and a lot of guys with a a hunger to win the Cup," Slaughter said.

 

Although it is far to early to crown anyone, the Americans are for real this campaign. Slaughter hopes to continue to develop into one of the premiere centres in the league and he does seem to be heading this way. Learning from a guy like Wesley Kellinger will certainly be a good recipe for Slaughter's longterm success. Either way, this will be a big year for the sophomore American.

[Guest Svoboda_3]

Content: 3/3

627 words. It must be nice to be on a team that just signs FA's freely and always being in a solid situation as your players often are. The Americans are the class of the league and you spoke of that here. Obviously if you aren't practicing as regularly as you once did, you are clearly slowing down some? Good article.

Grammar: 2/2

Minor things.

 

all-star = All-Star

faceoffs = face-offs

with a a hunger = with a hunger

to early = too early

longterm = long-term

 

Appearance: 1/1

Typical Sterling presentation.

Overall: 6/6

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