Jack Hammer
Halifax, NS -
When the Halifax Chaos take to the ice for their first regular LTLHL season game at the Chaos Center, they will be followed by a huge fanbase who are excited to see what the team brings to the ice. This team will be led onto the ice by head coach, Randy Williamson, who brings a very generous blend of hockey sense and team sense with him onto the bench. Williamson believes in building team morale as much as he believes in scoring goals. "For me, if they (players) play as a team and want to win for each other, the results will come. I am not the guy that will brandish the whip if we struggle. I will let my leaders in the dressing room show how they can lead on the ice". How can you not be excited by that?? The Chaos are well represented on the ice and here are a few names worth watching.
G Dillon Valenzuela
At 33, Dillon is not alone as a veteran on the team but is clearly one of the most impressive leaders so far in the pre-season. 2-0, Valenzuela has been a force in the net but has been seen charging up the guys in front of me almost from the drop of the puck. "I am a competitor and will throw everything I have on the ice, game in and game out. I believe in the guys we have here. I can't wait for these games to mean something!". Valenzuela is expected to get the lions share of starts but will definitely be an asset in mentoring Terence Audet, a young goalie who is waiting in the wings! "Audi is great. He plays a game very similar to mine, calm, present and focused. Not sure there is anyone else I would want to share the crease with this year!"
RW Leonard Ananin
If we are looking at the Chaos roster and want to pin point who will lead this team in points, my finger is pointed at Ananin. Signed for 3 years, Ananin will be counted on for 18-20 min a night and will play top line and PP minutes. If I had to guess, he will be the first Chaos to hit 30 goals this year as long as he stays healthy. "My job", says Ananin "is to score and that is what i plan on doing. I have an incredible set up man in Hohka which definitely helps! As long as I can contribute at both ends of the ice, I think my season will be a success in Halifax".
RW Dominick MacLellan
One of the youngsters on the team, at just 19, Dominick MacLellan will be counted on for energy to go with his incredible skill. There is a ton of potential here and he may just be breaking the ice in no time. Blessed with tremendous speed and skill, MacLellan will be the now and future of the Chaos. "I am looking forward to taking cues from some of the older guys in the dressing room. I think I can be a tremendous leader for the Chaos for many years and am looking forward to learning from guys like Anan, Koso and Nik to name a few."
D Rasmus Koso
Koso is the undeniable leader on the blue line for the Chaos. He is very calm defender who leads by example who does his job in own end but is certainly no stranger to the offensive zone as well. Expect to see 20 min a night and time on both the PP and PK for Rasmus. "The more ice I get, the more I can contribute and who wouldn't be able to put up points with such a skilled team in front of me. I think people will be surprised at what we will be able to accomplish this year provided we stay healthy and play our game!"
Honourable mentions go to rookie Yarkovoi, D's Strand and MacTavish and forward Trinh, Roos among others. This year will prove to be exciting, fast-paced and filled with memorable goals, plays and hits!
Brace yourself Halifax fans! Here comes the Chaos...