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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 7:34:40 GMT -5
If you’re seeking a young player in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft who displays quality leadership, look no further than Tommy Cross. The junior defenseman from Westminster School (Simsbury, Conn.) oozes character, is well-spoken, and is one of the most mature 18-year-olds you’ll ever meet. He’s not a screamer; but when Cross talks, his teammates listen intently. “Tommy is a natural-born leader. He expects a lot from his teammates, but also from himself,” said Timothy Joncas, a coach with Westminster. Cross’ leadership skills are still growing, and he’s always picking up pointers. “I like seeing how other guys do it – some guys on high school teams, and I also listen to guys in the NHL and what they have to say (about their captains),” said Cross. When things aren’t going well, Cross makes a point to set the record straight with his teammates – but only in a classy manner. “I’m a private guy, and will never embarrass a teammate. We work things out behind the scenes,” he admitted. Cross’ hockey life began on a backyard rink that was built by his father. At age 3 or 4, he started skating and years later would have kids from all over the neighborhood stopping by to join in. The elder Cross coaches high school hockey, and would tutor his son in half hour increments at home. “We had these mini practices, and I think I learned more in that time than in my actual (team) practices,” said the defenseman. These days, Cross spends his time as the go-to guy for Westminster. He runs the power play, defends well, and lays down the law with some big hits. “I like to finish guys off whenever possible, but make sure not to take myself out of the play,” said Cross. And when he hits, he hits hard. “Sometimes you hear of a guy that’s small but plays big. Tommy is a big guy who plays big,” said Joncas. On the power play, Cross uses his cannon of a shot to create scoring chances. This also causes the opposition to cheat, which opens up more passing lanes. “Tommy’s a total team guy, so he likes to spread the puck around a lot,” said the coach. In April, Cross joined the U.S. entry at the Under-18 championships in Finland which was played on the bigger rinks. “He played a basic role in Finland. He was a stay-at-home guy who made safe plays,” said Kyle Woodlief, chief scout and publisher of Red Line Report. Cross enjoyed the different styles, and had to tweak his game a bit to adapt. “Teams like Russia and Finland had more room out there to make plays. It neutralizes the physical play a bit – there’s more containment (on defense),” said Cross. And even though the U.S. lost in the gold medal game, Cross went home with valuable experience on the international stage. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” he explained. With the draft drawing near, Cross wonders which team might call his name in Columbus, Ohio. Whoever decides to take that chance is getting a kid who, at 18, already gets it. You can’t put a price on that. “A bunch of scouts met with him at the combine, and then came to me and asked if he was really that good of a person,” said Joncas. He’s currently working on his skating, trying to improve his first few steps. But his overall skating stride is already very good, and a team will most certainly take a shot with him in the first round. “(Cross is) a good player with great upside. He’s in the mold of a Tom Poti, but brings the physical play,” said E.J. McGuire, Director of the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau. And Cross’ message to any GM who is debating on whether or not to select him? “I have good character and like to go to war with my teammates. I believe my best days are ahead of me.” The Tommy Cross File Height: 6-3 Weight: 191 Born: September 12, 1989 in Simsbury, CT Shoots: Left Stats Year, Team, League, GP, G, A, PTS, PIM 06-07, Westminster, USHS 25, 8, 12, 20, 20
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Post by hockeyfan99 on Jun 18, 2007 8:36:35 GMT -5
Good article and Cross certainly sounds like he will be a great addition to the Wildcats.
However, in the future I would suggest that you source these articles to avoid being accused of plagiarism.
Where did this article come from?
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 9:00:22 GMT -5
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Dar
Junior Member
Posts: 198
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Post by Dar on Jun 18, 2007 9:45:27 GMT -5
So what are the chances of us actually having this guy in our lineup?
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 9:53:44 GMT -5
I'm guessing slim but man it would be sweet if they got him.
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Post by SteveUL on Jun 18, 2007 10:04:28 GMT -5
So what are the chances of us actually having this guy in our lineup? I'm guessing that it is much more likely that he'll be in our lineup than in the lineup of 17 other Q teams.
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 10:14:55 GMT -5
Agree with that. That cats have the best chance at signing NCAA talent over most teams.
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Post by SteveUL on Jun 18, 2007 11:05:29 GMT -5
Agree with that. That cats have the best chance at signing NCAA talent over most teams. We own his rights ... if he plays in the Q he plays here unless we first release him or trade him.
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 11:23:29 GMT -5
Lets hope either the Islanders or Blackhawks draft him this year.
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 18, 2007 11:37:47 GMT -5
He is ranked 29th in skaters. Throw in one or two goalie picks that would push him over the 30th pick. Blackhawks could get him. Not sure when the Islanders pick. They don't have a first. www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=7288&hubname=
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Post by curtis on Jun 18, 2007 14:21:14 GMT -5
Hopefully whoever drafts him will "encourage" him to play in the Q. If you're expecting to be a pro by your age-20 season, you'd think that getting loads of ice time the next two seaons would be a priority.
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Post by jimmy on Jun 18, 2007 15:27:07 GMT -5
Hopefully whoever drafts him will "encourage" him to play in the Q. If you're expecting to be a pro by your age-20 season, you'd think that getting loads of ice time the next two seaons would be a priority. I think there is a decent chance of that happening in his case, especially where he can't play NCAA this season ... his choice is play two years of major junior, and then pro; or play a year of prep or Junior A, followed by a freshman season of university. If we were due to start college in the Fall it would be a much tougher sell.
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Post by SteveUL on Jun 19, 2007 6:17:55 GMT -5
Hopefully whoever drafts him will "encourage" him to play in the Q. If you're expecting to be a pro by your age-20 season, you'd think that getting loads of ice time the next two seaons would be a priority. I think there is a decent chance of that happening in his case, especially where he can't play NCAA this season ... his choice is play two years of major junior, and then pro; or play a year of prep or Junior A, followed by a freshman season of university. If we were due to start college in the Fall it would be a much tougher sell. He also has the option of jumping right to the AHL at 18 ... if he is good enough.
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Post by curtis on Jun 19, 2007 9:05:22 GMT -5
I wonder how often players jump from prep to the AHL at 18, I assume it's pretty rare.
Unless he has some kind of boyhood dream of playing for a certain NCAA team (or a lot of family pressure to do so), I can't see the logic in trying to maintain eligibility for what would amount to just a freshman season.
One other thing I thought of, what are his chances of playing for Team USA at the WJHC? American players playing in Canada don't seem to get the same kind of consideration for the team, that could be a factor.
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Post by mbastarache on Jun 19, 2007 11:37:14 GMT -5
Write up on Cross at TSN.ca www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11079&hubname=From NHL Central Scouting: A stay-at-home defenseman with good lateral mobility and quickness. Skates the puck quickly into open areas to expand his passing options. Has a strong shot from the point and is effective running a power-play. Can be physical in the defensive zone and in front-net coverage. Very focused on his defensive game, but needs to realize his offensive skill and contribute more. Needs to increase his tempo and play with more urgency. From ISS: Big skilled defender has pro size right now. Strong skater who is as comfortable playing an up tempo game. Pivots well to either side and closes his man out to the boards. Looks to dominate the front of his net by playing hard with the stick and using his strength to establish defensive side position and drive opponents away from the blue paint. His father was his coach for the last couple of years at Simsbury (CT) H.S. and no doubt this helped build his strong fundamentals. A very safe pick as he has size, good skill and the nasty disposition needed to play D at the pro level.
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