Hanzal making impression
Posted by TheHockeyGuy on October 2nd, 2009
The future for Coyotes center Martin Hanzal is open-ended, and the big Czech has made a definite impression on coach Dave Tippett.
“I think he’s a great player,” Tippett said. “He’s a big strong guy that I think we’re just starting to get into what he can do. “
Hanzal, entering his third year at 6-foot-6 and 228 pounds, is bigger and stronger than a year ago, when the early part of his season was compromised as he was recovered from back surgery. He finished with 11 goals and 31 points in 74 games, but his major contributions came defensively, where he became adept at shutting down opponents’ big centers and winning faceoffs.
He’ll likely start the season on the “Czech Line” with Radim Vrbata and Petr Prucha.
“He wants to be a top player,” Tippett said. “I like that about him. He says he wants to be a go-to guy, and we’ll put him in some of those positions.
“I think there’s a lot of room for improvement offensively from him, but he’s got to remember that he’s going to be a strong two-way player, has the ability to play against top players but also has the ability to produce offense from his role on our team.”
Click here to read the full article – By Jim Gintonio of Arizona Republic
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