Just one week into the 2014-15 season, the Checkers’ roster looks very different than what many expected.
A rash of injuries up top has forced the Hurricanes to pull from their affiliate, and that has left the Checkers roster very thin heading into the home opener, especially down the middle.
Coming into the season, before training camp, the Checkers’ lineup was most likely projected to have Victor Rask, Ben Holmstrom, Patrick Brown and Brody Sutter as the centers. Now, following injuries to Jeff Skinner, Eric Staal, Jordan Staal and Patrick Dwyer, Charlotte finds itself on the eve of its home opener without three of those centers.
Rask and Brown have been with the Hurricanes since camp, and filling their spots for the first three games have been Brendan Woods and Greg Nemisz, natural wingers. Despite playing out of their most comfortable position, head coach Jeff Daniels is pleased with how the two have fit in to their roles.
“They’ve been fine,” said Daniels. “They’re big bodies and it’s good to have a big body down low. [Woods] brings a lot of speed to the middle.”
Daniels sees a benefit in their ability to play at multiple spots, but knows their strengths, and plans to get Woods back on the wing this weekend.
“In the long run, it’s nice to be able to play a couple positions and not be locked in, so if Carolina is looking, they can play center and wing,” said Daniels. “I think it’s to their advantage, it’s going to help them.
“With that, I think they’re both better wingers, it’s more of a natural position for them. I think we’ll get [Woods] back on the wing tomorrow night and use his size and speed.”
Some of the less experienced players might be benefiting from the situation, including Alex Aleardi, a player on an AHL/ECHL two-way contract that has seen more playing time due to the lack of bodies. Aleardi has already chipped in one goal this season, and Daniels has taken notice of his game.
“He has the capability of scoring, he has a nose for the net,” said Daniels. “A lot of that is because of his speed. He’ll take the puck to the net.”
The one move that the Checkers have made to flesh out their roster going into the weekend is signing rookie Mike Aviani to a professional tryout contract. Aviani attended Tampa Bay Lightning training camp this season, and although he was ultimately cut, he received good reviews.
“They said to just to keep working hard and that sometimes that’s the way it goes,” said Aviani. “They said that I was a good player and that I could definitely compete at this level. So it was definitely a good encouragement hearing that from Steve Yzerman and them.”
Daniels heard positive things about the 21-year-old from the Everblades organization, where Aviani was slated to play, and will see how he responds to the opportunity.
“He’s a guy that was recommended by Florida,” said Daniels. “He’s a first year pro, so we’ll give him a chance and see what he can do.”
Being a center, Aviani fills a dire need for the Checkers, and is confident that his game can help the squad overall.
“I’m a physical player, I keep it simple and I’m going to contribute any way I can, whether it be a big faceoff win or on the penalty kill or a big body check,” said Aviani. “I like to get to the net and get those greasy goals and I like to make plays to my teammates.”
An undrafted player coming off a career season in the WHL, Aviani faces a challenge getting acclimated with a new team so quickly before a game, but he seems grateful for his chance and ready to contribute.
“Jeff is teaching me to play within their systems, teaching me to where to go on the ice in certain situations and it’s been good,” said Aviani. “Jeff really seems like he’s a great coach and I’m really happy to be getting an opportunity to play under him.”
Despite a roster full of new faces, Daniels knows that the players here will be battling and ready to go for Friday’s game.
“A lot of the younger guys are hungry. They want to make an impression and stay on this team.”
