 |
04/23/2010
Markus McCrea Makes His Move
Everett Silvertips Press Release
McCrea has excellent size and has shown the ability to finish checks and wear down the opposition. |
Everett, WA - At first glance, Markus McCrea's statistics from the 2009-10 season don't tell the full story of his development. But looking through the game-by-game numbers, and watching him develop and adapt to the rigors of the WHL, the improvement and refinement in his game was thoroughly evident in the Silvertips' outstanding second half of the season. At 6'3 and 210 pounds, the veteran left winger is a sturdy, intimidating presence who continues to refine his role as a bruising power forward.
"I talked to Coach Hartsburg a few times throughout the year," McCrea said, "and one thing he said to me was that I needed to be a leader for the line that I was on. He told me that I had a big body and that I should go to the net and finish my checks, shoot the puck as much as I could, and find the open player."
By finishing those checks and creating that "difficult to play against" environment that became a staple of the Silvertips play in the second half, many other facets of Markus' game opened up. He found that his efforts were able to transfer over to other players on the team, forging a strong collective effort.
"I just wanted to make the defensemen's game a lot harder. I wanted to force some turnovers, and make it easier for the top lines to go out and do some work with the puck and put it in the back of the net," McCrea explained.
On the aspects of his game that he'll be looking to improve upon for the 2010-11 season, he had already done his homework.
"I want to keep the physical play up and work on my balance to stay on my feet more. I want to work on my stride - maintain speed and have that quick start so I can get around people and away from defenders."
To help this cause, he's been relying upon the work ethic laid forth as an example by graduated 20 year olds Shane Harper and Zack Dailey, who have remained in Everett over the early spring to work on conditioning. Harper, especially, is known for his thorough workout regimen, something that McCrea will hopefully be able to pass down to the younger players on the team by the time he's a Silvertip upperclassman.
"Shane would always stay a couple minutes longer than anyone else in the weight room. He just always busts his butt the whole time. To watch after him, and to have him looking out for me really helps - he's worked out a lot, and it's paid off for him, so I'd like to replicate that.
With all the work he's been putting in in the weight room, he's still left open some time to unwind and catch up on the NHL playoffs.
"I'll probably end up taking a big fishing trip down to Mexico this summer. That'll be my only break from hockey. We've all been watching a lot of the playoffs - I wanted to the Ducks to be in there, but they didn't make it. So I have to say that Im rooting for the Kings these days."
Markus made a strong impression with 'Tips fans in the 2010 playoffs, scoring twice in Everett's series against Kelowna and will look to continue that work next season and beyond.
|
|
 |
