A complete game
Wild rookie defenceman Crosby Andrews focused on contributing at both ends of the rink
Crosby Andrews has made what is often a difficult transition look relatively easy.
KENSINGTON – Crosby Andrews has made what is often a difficult transition look relatively easy.
The smooth-skating defenceman is in his first year with the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild of the New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Major Midget Hockey League after playing the 201819 season with the Charlottetown-based Mount Academy Saints’ bantam team.
“It’s a huge jump from bantam to midget,” said the 15-year-old son of Kevin and Susan Andrews of Hunter River. “It’s a lot faster, a lot bigger guys and it’s hard to adjust.”
Wild head coach Kyle Dunn acknowledged that, like all first-year players, Andrews experienced some growing pains early.
The coach was quick to point out that Andrews met those challenges head-on.
“Crosby is starting to come into his own right now,” said Dunn. “We are starting to get him a little more power-play time and he’s starting to build a lot of confidence.
“He has a great hockey IQ and one of his best assets is his feet.
“He’s a great skater, he jumps up into the play a lot now, which we are encouraging, but he also knows his first job is defence. He does a great job of getting out of his zone and competing in his zone.
“He has all the tools to be a great hockey player.”
Andrews said, without question, speed has been the biggest adjustment he’s faced at the major midget level.
“Speed is crucial these days in hockey and you have to have it,” he added.
BOTH ENDS OF THE RINK
CONFIDENCE
small things on the ice.
“On the power play, he moves the puck well, sees the ice well and for a small guy he has a pretty good shot.”
Andrews entered his first season in Kensington with realistic expectations.
“I expected to do the best I can and trying to improve as much as I can,” he said. “It’s been great.
“We have a great group of guys, great leadership, good coaches and it’s been fun all around.” Andrews said he likes to contribute at both ends of the rink.
“I like to think of myself as a two-way defender who plays well in the defensive zone and likes to jump up in the rush from time to time.”
Andrews, who has recorded 13 points in 28 regular-season games, said starting the season playing with veteran Seth MacLeod helped him transition into a new league that often presents challenges for first-year players. has grown, Andrews replied that is “100 per cent” accurate.
“You start off and you are a little nervous going in and start adjusting more,” said Andrews. “I am getting used to it and playing a little more physical is definitely helping. It gives you a little more respect on the ice.”
“That was nice playing with a big, physical defenceman (MacLeod),” said Andrews. “Three weeks ago my partner changed to Isaac Vos, who is a nice, puck-moving defenceman. It’s been nice playing with both of those guys.”
Dunn has noticed a steady progression in Andrews’s game.
“He is just starting to separate himself from most firstyear D and that is great to see,” said Dunn.
“He’s producing and does the
When told it appears his confidence
“Crosby is starting to come into his own right now. We are starting to get him a little more power-play time and he’s starting to build a lot of confidence. He has a great hockey IQ and one of his best assets is his feet. He’s a great skater, he jumps up into the play a lot now, which we are encouraging, but he also knows his first job is defence. ”
Kyle Dunn