Smuk secures first line spot

Eric J. Welsh, The Progress

Sep 18 2007

Cody Smuk had 5 goals and 11 assists in 72 games as a rookie last season with the Bruins

Whether it lasts beyond the first game is anyone’s guess, but for the moment Cody Smuk is a first-line winger.

The second year Bruin has earned a spot alongside Oscar Moller and Mark Santorelli as Chilliwack embarks on its 72-game odyssey through the Western Hockey League.

“We haven’t had many chances to try out combinations in the pre-season because Oscar’s been down in Los Angeles with the Kings and Mark’s in Nashville,” said Bruins bench boss Jim Hiller. “But Cody will get the first chance at it. I think he plays the most like Josh (ex-captain Aspenlind).

Hiller talked about Smuk’s ability to work the boards and create loose pucks. He also mentioned his ability to go to the net and clean up the garbage goals.

“Obviously it’s a great opportunity for me,” Smuk said. “I can hit and grind and I’ve got a big frame. I play the same style as Josh did and I hope that I can mesh well with Oscar and Mark.”

The question with Smuk will be his offence. Aspenlind had 22 goals and 57 points playing alongside the Big Two. Can Smuk match that production or will he an offensive drag on the line.

“We’ll find out if I’ve got the finish to play with them,” Smuk said. “I’ll try and we’ll see how it goes. For me it’ll be a matter of shooting every opportunity I get, and hopefully some of those pucks will go in.”

The pressure on Smuk will be partially negated if the Bruins can produce an offensively adept second line, something that was missing in action last year.

Teams were able to throw blanket coverage at Chilliwack’s first line last year because other than Ken Petkau, no one on the second line was capable of consistently putting the biscuit in the basket.

Hiller isn’t entirely tipping his hand on who will join Petkau this season, but the odds-on favourites are rookies Jadon Potter and Ryan Howse.

“Jadon was really good through training camp and the pre-season,” Hiller said. “He’ll get quality ice-time and we’ll shake it out from there. There are several players who could work their way into a second-line role.”

The spotlight will shine brighest on Howse in the early going.

Chilliwack’s first ever first round bantam pick, he brings an impressive offensive pedigree to the table.

The team is keeping expectations low for the 16-year-old Prince George native, but he’s bulked up noticeably since his five game audition last season and, if healthy, he looks capable of contributing to the secondary scoring.

The third and fourth lines will be a mix-and-match of returning and rookie forwards. Matt Meropoulis and Colby Kulhanek should play key roles with veterans Donnie Glennie, Michael Proudley and Partik Bhungal battling newcomers Liam Darragh, Brayden Metz, David Robinson and Chip Petrino for ice-time.

“It’s not the best situation to be in as a player but I like it as a coach,” Hiller said. “It creates competition within the team and we will see if anyone emerges. However it works out, we’ll be more balanced no question. I do believe we have more guys on lines one through four who are capable of contributing to the offence.”

Hiller expressed confidence in his crowded blueline crew which includes seven returnees from last season.

Alberta native Nick Holden leads the way, joined by veterans Scott Maetche, Dylan Chapman, Matt McCue, Cody Hobbs, Cam Stevens and Kevin Boutilier.

Hobbs, a second-year man, had a shaky start to camp, but saved his best for last, impressing the coaches with his work last week.

“We had very very high expectations for him coming in and I don’t think he fulfilled those expectations in the first few weeks,” Hiller said. “But he was very good last week and that’s a good sign. We hold him in high regard and expect him to be one of our leaders back there.”

The wildcard in the group is Czech import David Hoda, a man who shows the ability to be a key man on the Chilliwack defence.

“We hope he turns into one of our top defencemen,” Hiller noted. “It’s going to take some time because he’s dealing with cultural differences and our style of play. In the long run he’s got some really good physical tools and we’re excited about what he may be able to do.”

Red Deer native Jeff Einhorn survived the pre-season and will be with the team as a reserve on opening night.

Chilliwack’s goaltending lives and dies with starter Matt Esposito.

The 18-year-old seized the job from veteran Alex Archibald midway through last year and enters the season as the undisputed number one.

The Bruins are opening the season with two 17-year-old backups, Mark Friesen and Lucas Gore, on the roster.

Both played well in training camp and the pre-season, and Hiller needs more time to decide which one will stick for the long haul.

“I’m comfortable with them,” Hiller said. “They’ve both had moments of brilliance and that’s encouraging to see. I think they could handle extensive work if something were to happen to Esposito. They’re not just here to be backups. They’re here to play in games and take the ball if need be.”

The Bruins open their regular-season schedule Friday night in Kamloops before returning home for games Saturday versus the Portland Winter Hawks (7 p.m.) and Sunday versus the Tri-City Americans (5 p.m.).