Holmes Flying High Through Training Camp

Left wing Chris Holmes may not have the heartfelt story of Dan Rohanna, or the Brooklyn roots of James Brannigan, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an important card in the Aces deck this season.

As a matter of fact, the 22-year-old forward may be the most most talented player on the roster.

Scoring a goal and adding an assist during the team’s first exhibition game this season as well, Holmes has already begun to prove his worth on an already talented Brooklyn offense.

“I’m going to lead by example,” Holmes said. “I don’t talk much, but I’ll try to get my teammates going by doing something on the ice. If it’s a fight or a big goal, it doesn’t matter. A lot of people know me as someone who has a good shot, but I’ll do anything I have to order to help this team win.”

A better than point a game player in his first pro season, Holmes scored 41 points in 23 games with the Valley Forge Freedom of the MAHL and knows he can bring that same type of scoring ability to the Aces this year. After a cup of coffee in the ECHL last season with the Elmira Jackals, where he went scoreless in 10 games, Holmes also knows he is capable of playing at higher levels. Because of that, he’s looking to make a splash with the Aces in order to solidify his reputation as a talented scorer.

For that reason, Holmes is looking forward to the new season even more.

“I think this is going to be a great opportunity for me,” said Holmes. “I was up and down last season and it was a lot of fun. I played in front of 5,000 people every night. It was overwhelming at times, but it was a very competitive environment. I’m going to keep working hard this season and I know it’s not a long shot for me to get called up again. I know I fit in here and I’ll have an opportunity to make the most of things. I’m happy to be here.”

Despite being an admitted sniper by trade, Holmes, who claims to own a 96 mph slap shot as well, has no problem dishing the puck either and could fit in nicely with Brannigan on the team’s top line. Comparing his game to that of former NHL star Claude Lemieux and current NHL bad boy Sean Avery, the Brick, NJ-native and lifelong Devils fan isn’t scared to drop the gloves if he has to either and believes that great players come up big when the chips are down.

This season, all he believes he needs is a few opportunities in crunch time to show his coach and teammates exactly what he is made of.

Regardless of where he projects to be or what he feels he’s capable of doing though, Holmes is ready to help the team in any way he can.

Because in the end, all he cares about is winning.

“I’ve been waiting all summer for this,” he said. “I can’t wait to get going. I know people care about this team in the area and they’re going to come out and watch us. That’s going to help motivate me and it’s going to be great.”

With a plethora of variety in his game and a passion to do whatever it takes to win, Holmes will be a valued commodity on the Aces this season.

“I’m a small guy, but I always like the guys who hit, fight and do whatever it takes out there,” Holmes said. “I’m not the type of guy that’s going to stay in the slot and not expect to be hit. I’m going to hit back too. I love that part of the game. I’m more of an all-around guy, I’ll do whatever the coaches need me to do, whether it’s killing penalties or taking shots on the powerplay. I think as a professional hockey player, you have to be prepared to step into any situation and perform. That’s what I try and do out there every night.”

Related posts:

1. Holmes Ready for Next Step Hours before every game at Aviator this past season, Brooklyn...
2. AOB Unplugged: Chris Holmes I had the pleasure of interviewing Brooklyn Aces winger Chris...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.