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UNH's Kessel continues solid progression
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Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America.
One glaring area that necessitates an upgrade on Long Island's NHL club is at the blue line. Brendan Witt, while a great member of the clubhouse and a needed physical presence on the ice, noticeably lost a couple steps in the off-season. Radek Martinek has battled fits of inconsistency so far this year and is always a potential injury waiting to happen. The putrid commencement of the 2009-10 campaign for Bruno Gervais, minus-9 rating in only 8 games, cannot be overlooked.
With all these question marks on the Isles defensive core, fans anxiously hope for reinforcements. Garth Snow and the New York Islanders; however, are patiently awaiting the development of their stable of young, talented prospects. One of those players quietly making a name for himself is Blake Kessel, the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs winger Phil Kessel.
Fans may be more familiar with names like Andrew MacDonald, Mark Katic, Aaron Ness, Travis Hamonic, and the gifted Calvin de Haan. Not surprising since Kessel has flown under the radar of virtually everyone for years, look no further than his draft position (166th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft). The Verona, Wisconsin native enjoyed success as a teenager in the USHL, as he registered 95 points in 118 games.
Kessel began his NCAA career in 2008-09, playing for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. The freshman managed to accumulate decent stats, made impressive considering three seniors were manning the Wildcat blue line. Kessel's 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists, were second among team defenders. His three game winning tallies showed his ability to rise to the occasion in big situations.
The 20 year-old has started his sophomore season with an offensive bang. With 3 goals and 7 assists in only 5 games, Kessel currently leads the NCAA in defensemen scoring. The most visible aspect of Kessel's game is his size. The Islanders can use need every inch and pound of that 6'2'', 204-pound frame.
Unfortunately, and as per usual with the Islanders, fans need to remain patient.
For more info: Check out University of New Hampshire Men's Hockey website.
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