Hours before every game at Aviator this past season, Brooklyn Aces forward Chris Holmes was out on the ice, garbed in a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers, firing pucks all over the ice.
It didn’t matter if it was a against the glass or at the net- just as long as it made a lot of noise.
Possessing one of the hardest shots in the EPHL, Holmes’ shot is his trademark and something he’s always working on.
That shot undoubtedly played a huge part in the 19 goals and 47 points he had this season, but those numbers alone can be deceiving. Not many knew that Holmes was playing the majority of the year with a separated shoulder.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Brick, New Jersey-native still averaged a point a game and helped lead the Aces to a regular season championship.
“I met my goals,” said Holmes. “I wanted a point a game and not many people knew that I was battling injuries most of the year. I tired to fight through it all and in the end, because of all of that, I don’t think I can be too unhappy with the way I played.”
Now with the season behind him and a full offseason to get healthy again, Holmes is ready to take his game to the next level.
That’s not to say that Holmes didn’t have a good time in Brooklyn this past season though.
“I had a great time in Brooklyn this season; the fans were great,” he said. “They were loyal and even when we didn’t have many people in the stands, they were the best fans in the league. They really supported us.”
After spending his first pro season in the MAHL, Holmes enjoyed the added security he had on the Aces this past season, despite the fact that it was something he might not have been used to.
“Playing in Brooklyn was a lot more professional,” Holmes said of the differences between the two leagues. “We went through a lot of owners and no one knew when they were going to get paid. We never had a consistent coach and for a team to be succesful, everything needs to be consistent. That was the biggest difference between the two leagues.”
However, with 11 games of ECHL experience over the past two seasons with the Elmira Jackals, Holmes feels he has what it takes to stick around this time and is ready for the next big step in his career.
“I have a few camps I’m going to in the ECHL and possibly the CHL this summer,” Holmes said. “I’m going to work hard this offseason and get bigger, stronger and faster. I want to go to camp with an edge and just keep things simple and do all the little things. I think that’s the most important thing when you play in higher levels and that’s what I’m going to focus on. Hopefully, it all works out.”
Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.
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on May 26th, 2009 at 4:36 am
I've seen this kid play numerous times. Big shot: yes, hockey sense: none. The kid seems nice enough by everything he says but he has no sniff of sticking at a higher level.
on May 26th, 2009 at 4:38 am
I'm with you 'Saskatoon' only i think hes cocky also and doesnt get the concept of passing. didnt carry us like that preseason article hyped him up to be able to do. a disapointment is an understatement.
on May 26th, 2009 at 10:21 am
A separated shoulder played a big part in that as well. The season before, when he was healthy, Holmes scored 41 points in 23 games.