Sudbury Miners Weekly Report Vol. 6

A Weekly Look at the 2018-19 Sudbury Miners:  Volume 6

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

Miners Weekly Record: 2 wins, 1 loss, 0 OT loss.

Miners League Standing:  11 wins, 10 losses, 2 OT Loss = 24 points total.  Currently sit in 9th place in the Canosa Conference, 16th overall in the CCHL.

Miners Special Teams:  Power Play – 24.2% (9th); Penalty Kill – 79.2% (8th)

Miners Scoring Leader:  Center Vincent Trocheck (7G – 21A = 28pts; 27th Overall in the CCHL)

The Sudbury Miners kept status quo this week, and continue to remain in the thick of the playoff race in the Canosa Conference.  Despite posting a 2-1-0 record this week including wins over conference rivals Springfield and Hamilton, the Miners were unable to gain any ground and still remain two points back of Victoria for 6th place and the final playoff spot.

“Our goal at the start of the season was to be in contention for a playoff spot”, stated Miner's winger Travis Konecny.  “But now that we are here, we want more. We want to make the playoffs. We want that for the guys in this room and for our hard-working fans back home in Sudbury.  It’s going to be a battle every game for us if we want to remain in this thing”.

The Miners have a chance to make up some ground this week with four, very important games this week  - all with teams they are battling with for the final playoff spot in the Canosa Conference. They open up the week versus Fonthill on Monday, followed by a big game versus Victoria on Wednesday night.  They close the week with a home and home series with Reykjavik. Anything less than a .500 record could spell disaster for the Miners.

MINERS PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK:  Andy Greene

Signed as a free agent in the summer, Greene is a skilled, heads-up puck mover with quick, soft hands and a good passing range.  He does lacks elite startup speed but is balanced, compensates with efficient footwork both forwards and backward, with solid lateral agility.  He has skilled stick work as a defender and does have a physical element, using his short, stocky frame to close gaps and finish checks. He is strong in 1-on-1 battles and absorbs forecheck pressure and creates space for outlets.  He has brought that veteran savvy and stability to a young Miners blueline so far this season.

MINERS PROSPECT NEED TO KNOW:  Jusso Valimaki

Drafted 14th overall by the Miners in the CCHL Entry Draft, Valimaki was taken primarily because of his size and defensive-zone play.  After his last two seasons in the WHL, the point-per-game two-way defender has rounded his game out to new heights. Possessing top-notch skills and a CCHL-ready hockey sense, it was only a matter of time before this top prospect reached his potential.  He’s a strong skater who doesn’t shy away from physicality at every opportunity and has already proven that he’s ready to take the next step. He will be a welcome addition when he arrives in Sudbury. Expected CCHL arrival: 2019-20.