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Brock Team Breakdown

Wed Feb 05, 2003
Written by Mike Aylward/Brock Badgers Website
Photo by James Mirabelli

2002-2003 Brock Badgers Squad:

Key returning players this year on defense include former OHL defensemen Matt Osborne and Matt Rock. Up front, forwards Joe Forte who was named to the 2001-02 OUA Second All-Star team, former Brampton Battalion Scott Thompson, and former OHL first round pick, Jamie Young look to lead the team in scoring.

GOALTENDING
The Badgers will once again look to the trio of Shane Delaronde, Brian Harrison, and Rick Marnon for success in-between the pipes. Despite posting a combined seven wins in 24 games, the goaltending was able to cut down the number of goals allowed from 114 in 2000-01 to 102 last year, and lower the goal against average from 4.71 in 2000-01 to 4.16 last year.

DEFENSE
After a season where the opposition outscored the offence, the defense makes an energized debut with new gears. With the loss of only Adam Shields to graduation, the Badgers return the fivesome of senior Matt Osborne, Academic All-Canadian Josh Dunn, and sophomores Dan Pitre, and Matt Rock. New recruits for the Badgers include Dallas Beaton (Oshawa Legionnaires/Oshawa, ON), Damir Brujic (Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats/Sudbury, ON), Corey Fleischer (Plattsburgh Cardinals/Montreal, QC), and Corey Sabourin (Mississauga Ice Dogs/Orleans, ON).

FORWARDS
The Badgers offensively look to fifth year forward Joe Forte, who led the team in scoring last year with 36 points (17-19) in 24 games, dominated statistically in five categories including game-winning goals. Consistently averaging 15 goals per season since joining Brock, Forte was named to the 2001-02 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Second All-Star team, and he reached the 100-point plateau against Windsor (Nov. 3). The fifth year forward is currently ranked sixth all-time in points with 128 (62-66).

Jamie Young had a breakthrough season last year finishing third on the team in scoring with 21 points (8-13) in 24 games. Named an alternate captain this year for his strong leadership skills, the centreman also led the team in faceoff wins (270). Joining Young as a junior on the offense is 6-3 forward Andrew Livey. His determination and strong sense of the game quickly led him to a surge in points and confidence. Finishing the season with 18 points in 23 games, Livey has the ability to become an incomparable force against the opposition. Although junior Steve Pederson experienced sat the majority of the season with a concussion, the energetic forward looks to significantly improve on his performance from this year from scoring nine points (4-5) in 10 games.

Third year forward Ryan Shaver has the size and physical prowess to capitalize on rebounds past the blue line in the neutral zone. The 6-3 winger had an impact year last season netting 13 points (6-7) in 18 games. Shaver ended the season strong scoring four points in the last two games of the season. His experience will be a welcome addition to a team laden with numerous players with university experience.

One-time teammates in junior hockey, Scott Mckenzie and Scott Anderson look to click together and form as two-way players. The speedy Mckenzie and Anderson, a faceoff specialist on the team combined for 30 points in 48 games. While Mckenzie posted 17 points (7-10) in 24 games, Anderson recorded 13 points (3-10) in 24 games. After spending a season in a university hockey setting, both look to combine their skill and speed to overpower and win games.

Sophomore Scott Thompson was selected to the roster of the OUA All-Star team which competed in a two-game exhibition series with the 2002 Canadian National Junior Team coached by former Brock graduate Stan Butler last December. Thompson looks to partner with Joe Forte on the top line and registered 27 points (14-13) in 24 games and capped off an impressive first year by capturing the Denholm Award for the top first year player on the team.

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