Guelph's Peter Holland: Size And Speed Down The Middle For Canadiens
by Robert L on Jun 8, 2009 3:29 PM EDT
12 comments
Following a modest 23 point rookie campaign, questions raised on how improved Guelph Storm centerPeter Holland would be in year two were answered quite forcefully, as he sizzled, notching 10 goals and 21 points in his first 19 games. Holland maintained the pace and grew into an important role with Guelph, rounding out the season with 28-39-67 numbers.
With his gifts of size, a scoring touch, leadership and improving speed and quickness, Holland fits the bill in regard to the Canadiens greatest area of need.
The 6-2, 190 lbs Caledon, Ontario native feels his improvements were largely due to off season work on his skating stride and confidence. The flourishing of his game this year came with added expectations and increased ice time, and he was most impressive in the defensive aspects, as his plus minus improved, going from a -8 to a +10 this season. As a 17 yr old, Holland took on a leadership role both on and off the ice. Rather than crack under the added expectations, Holland relished and prospered due to the opportunity.
"When you’re faster the game is a lot easier. You have more time for yourself. Ever since minor hockey, I’ve had some pretty decent hands. Getting good passes and incorporating my hands into that, has really got me some better scoring opportunities and shots," said Holland.
Guelph Storm coach Jason Brooks feels that Holland is working very hard on improving all aspects of his game.
"His greatest attribute is he is so committed. He wants to be a player. He works at his game. He works hard at getting stronger. He does all the little things. He watches a lot of video of himself of how he can improve his game. I think that is his greatest asset because he’s a good skater, but he wants to be a better skater. He’s a good scorer and he works on his shot. He wants to work on all the little intangibles that make him that much better," Brooks said.
Teammate and Detroit Red Wings first round pick G Tom McCollum sees a definite evolution in Holland’s game and thinks he is a special talent.
"I think that Peter is a fantastic player. He has great speed and he handles the puck well and has a great nose for the net. I think that he has progressed from last year in that this season he looks to make the simple play and has learned to use his line mates to his advantage," said McCollum.
For more on Peter Holland, check these links:
Guelph's Holland Impresses in NHL Draft Year
Peter Holland at Hockey's Future
Q & A With Holland at Hockey Future
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Good job Bob, keep up the good work
Remember people, there are 2 teams in the NHL, Montreal and the rest.
Rick, any chance you remember Louis Leblanc that lived on Anthony St. next to Sunrise home when we were kids? Louis had a handicapped brother who used to walk all over the neighborhood. If the Habs draft this other Louis Leblanc, I’ll never be able to forget the twit. I blame Louis for starting me smoking – and then the shit head blabs to my mother. I enjoyed pounding hin, though!
Is good size going to heal what is ailing the Habs?
I just don’t see any of these youngsters going to lead the team in 2010.
I know a draft is a draft and if not for now then for later. But Is a big center the bain of the Habs right now?
Looking at what happened it was shoddy D, a lack of confidence from our Tender, no secondary scoring, and ill timed penalties… for this years playoffs.. that put us away.
I’m not sold on the whole re-tooling, re-booting, re-building era. I was never a fan of ditching all of our younger talent for possible blockbuster players, and I’m not a fan of getting rid of many talented 30 somethings believing that who we get in return will SAVE the franchise from another early season retirement.
I agree that Dandenault, Brise, Boullion(possibly) could use with a change in location. Brise should just retire. And for what it’s worth, O’Byrne needs to grow into his body. He’s looking like a pre-pubescent teen who doesn’t know what to do with his limbs. And he’s slow…. not good in today’s game.
I agree there should be some changes but to get rid of all UFAs because they are higher in the salary bracket isn’t a great idea. Sign and deal would work on some levels, but then UFAs would likely be aware of this tactic.. but its soo useful on times.
by Cruisin4aBruisin on Jun 9, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions
We are going to look very different after the dust settles down in training camp. I would bet we have at least 10 new faces on the roster after training camp. One that will be back will be Brisbois as 7th D
Breezer
no Emelin, no Valentenko, potentially no Komisarek…..they have a lot of work to do and if the best they can do is have Patrice as their #7 they can start to plan the 2010 draft lottery now and then sign their resignation letters…Patrice is done as a fulltime/partime NHLer…wheels are done and was always soft on every inch of the ice…sooner see a Dman from Hammy getting those minutes.
Ya, I remember him, Louis is an RCMP now. Does his brother still walk around or have you run him over? How would you like to see Heatly in a habs uniform?
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