Persberichten

Ken Frazier finally showed the management of Check Republic why they made him No.1, shutting out the Slayers 6-0. He turned back all 15 shots he faced in the three periods of action. "You've gotta give the defense in front of you credit," he deferred. "It's a lot easier to stop 15 pucks than 30." Frazier earned himself League All-Star honors for the first time in this young season.

In reference to that, Check Republic have played in eight games already: four league and four friendly matches. Their record is 4-4 overall, going 3-1 in league play but struggling against superior opponents with a 1-3 friendly record. Lynn Gamez has been absolutely spot on in his play, scoring 3 goals and 5 assists. Gamez was asked about his stellar play recently. "The difference has really been my conditioning. Gaining an edge offensively in both technique and passing has really helped."

Danny Patten, known more for his bursts of speed than anything else, has really impressed general manager reverist. "Patten's out there on the dump-and-chase, beats out an icing call, and next thing you know it's [the puck] in the back of the net." Patten has scored five goals thus far. Reverist continued marvelling. "The main difference so far for him this year is confidence. He's not afraid to take the shot. He also thinks more; he's purposefully firing a shot five-hole, stickside, high, low, whatever."

Last season's MVP Heath Koenig isn't exactly on record-setting pace, but he's doing well with 4 goals and 2 assists. Brother Chris Koenig thinks Heath is doing just fine. "He just had a two-goal game the other day [against Rochester]. It's early on in the season. Give him a break!" he joked.

The Koenig brothers are right about one thing: it is early, and only time will tell where Check Republic ends up.

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