Aces First Half Report Card- Defensemen

Joe Lyle- Quickly showing why Aces head coach Chris Firriolo was so sore when he lost the youngster in the expansion draft when Hudson Valley joined the league in October, Lyle has already proven his value in Brooklyn. Despite only playing a handful of games with the Aces so far this season, Lyle has shown that he is more than capable in both ends of the ice. A good passer, look for Lyle’s offensive production to improve as the season wears on and for him to become an even bigger piece in the team’s defense.

Grade- B+

Nick Grove- Playing with an assortment of injuries this season, it would be easy for Grove to make excuses. However, “Grover,” as he is affectionately called by his teammates, has been solid in both ends of the ice- scoring 17 points in 24 games, while going a +25. Playing in all game situations, Grove has also been a great example to his teammates and has does everything in his power to make sure the Aces end up in win column every time he steps out on the ice.

Grade- A

Doug Hoffman- Easily one of the leagues best offensive d-men, Hoffman has been a force to be reckoned with with the man advantage. Despite his offensive numbers tailing over the past dozen or so games, with injuries almost decimating the defense core, Hoffman has become a better all-around defender in the process. With the addition of Yeung and Lyle to the blue line as well, expect the Aces to use the 6′4 d-man the same way they used him earlier in the season, making use of his shot and passing abilities, putting him back near a point a game offensively for the season.

Grade A-

Rob Miller- Picking up his play after every game, Miller was looking more and more like the defenseman that scored 45 points in just 60 games with the Jacksonville Barracudas in 2003. A factor in the physical end as well, Miller was the veteran prescence the team needed early in the season. A nasty hand injury then derailed his season, but since then he’s become an asset on the bench, helping the team’s young defensemen. When he comes back from injured reserve, the Aces defense will be even better.

Grade- A

Gabe Yeung- One of the only leaders on the Bears before arriving in Brooklyn, the well-traveled Yeung provides Brooklyn with a big stay at home defenseman that isn’t skated of getting his nose dirty. With Chad Wilcox now on the shelf, Yeung’s value as an enforcer alone may prove to be a big asset to the team.

Grade- B

Ian McLoughlin- Originally the team’s spare forward, McLoughlin was below both Chad Wilcox and Jerry Cardinale on the depth chart and wasn’t looking to be the recipient of much ice-time this season. Then on a hunch, Aces head coach Chris Firriolo decided to throw him on the blue line after the team lost Rob Miller with a broken hand and Mike Richards to an assortment of injuries. The end result has become something truly special, as the speedy McLoughlin has become one of the team’s best defensemen, capable of playing in any game situation. His offensive play has also gotten better as the season has gone on, making him one of the most steady D-men in the league.

Grade- A-

Mike Richards- Injuries derailed his season to the point where he was put on waivers. However, Richards was a solid stay at home d-man while with Brooklyn and never looked out of place. Not the most talented offensive blueliner, Richards lost his role after the team landed a pair of better shut down defensemen in Gabe Yeung and Joe Lyle.

Grade- B-

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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