Crusader

Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Sports

Four weeks of the intramural floor hockey season have come and gone, leaving many to reflect on the many great games and individual performances put forth thus far in this young season. Although individual statistics and accolades always take a backseat to a team's performance, it is those individual displays that result in a team's success. Here are three individuals that team captains of opposing teams must keep in check come playoff time:

1) Dave Ayers (Spinnin' N' Reelin'). Spinnin' N' Reelin' have gotten off to a good start this season due in large part to Ayers's consistent goal scoring ability. Ayers has thirteen goals in four games from various parts of the floor. His willingness to be a hassle for goalies in front of the net has paid off for Ayers this season, resulting in many rebound goals and deflections. His contributions not only come from in front of the net, but also from the outside and his blistering slap shot. Defenses must always keep track of where Ayers is on the floor. In his team's most recent game against On The Fence, Ayers tallied five goals and one assist. His constant movement around the floor makes it difficult for the opposition to keep a defender on him at all times. This enables him to get the free space he needs to cause damage. He is a definite contender for Player of the Year and will need to continue his dominant play for Spinnin' N' Reelin' to be relevant in November.

2) Dave Sheerin (Class Act). Dave doesn't lead his team in goals, assists, face-offs won, or saves, and yet, he makes our list. No, this is not a mistake, but rather a very correct choice. Although Dave doesn't have the individual statistics of the other players on the list, he is one of, if not the, most valuable part of his team. Dave's seemingly infinite hustle up and down the floor and desire to play both offense and defense has led him to have one of the most balanced stat sheets in the league. He, like his teammates, plays almost the entire game, every game, due to the lack of depth and players on the team. Dave's ability to be as effective in the final minutes of a game as he is in the opening minutes has been an important reason for Class Act's early season success. An example of Dave's durability and endurance came two weeks ago, when he netted the game-winning overtime goal for his team with just over a minute left to play. The joy he showed in his celebratory wall climb following the game winner exemplifies why Dave is one of my favorite players to watch and cheer for.

3) Andrew Tobin (Baggers). The only guy on our list not named Dave, Tobin has been an invaluable player for the Baggers. His aggressive nature in net puts pressure on opposing players and, more times than not, causes them to make uncharacteristic mistakes. His great flexibility and instinct allow him to come out of the net with great success. Tobin also makes sure to clear out the middle to ensure his visibility of the ball and shooting lanes. Like a catcher in baseball, goalie tends to be the least favorite position for players due to the dirty work one must perform, which is often overlooked by the goals and assists of offensive players. Tobin has embraced his position and role on the team, and deserves a great deal of credit. With Tobin continuing to play like he has so far, the Baggers are sure to be on the short list of favorites for the Intramural title.

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