Brian "Beege" Hendricks

As a token of appreciation to the players that laced them up for the Jenkins Cup Champion Red Army team this late fall and early winter, the blog will be highlighting each player's season and doing a brief recap of a few defining moments that the player made to help Mother Russia dance her way to greatness.

Beege Hendricks
Regular Season Stats: 3 GP: 2 G, 5A, 7P
Post Season Stats: 1GP: 0 G, 1 A, 1 P
(All stars per Hendricksmemoryability)

No player has endured more physical suffering in the Red Army's history than Beege. His knee surgery has been well documented over the seasons, and with thirty stitches and two screws (still lodged in his right knee), Beege continues to be the closest thing anyone on the Red Army has ever been to being the Six Million Dollar Man. Still, it is was his shift from offense to defense that helped create the real reconstruction of the Red Army.

In a time when many younger brothers would have complained to their older brother about the lines being unfair and wanting to play on offense to score more goals many players might voice their disapproval on the coaching staff switching up positions, Beege skated on the blue line with little hesitation. As a naturally gifted skater, Beege was able to join the rush and still have enough get up and go to be back to defend. His offensive skills outweighed his defensive ones, but lately, especially this past season, it was evident that the one the fans refer to as "the Beege" had turned a corner. He had a more physical presence, a more active poke check, and more courage stepping in front of shots. All of these, added with a booming slap shot, gave the Red Army a gem on the back line.

This season, in only four games (regular and postseason play), he amassed eight points. More impressive though, was his defensive contributions. Playing alongside Brad Lotocki, Ryan Odell, and Ben Breiterman, three defensemen known for their offensive upsides, Beege took on a more defensive role. The result, a 3-0-1 record with him in the lineup, including a convincing 5-2 second round victory over the Cryptic Stench.

He may not be here for many games until the summer, but when he is, the Beege makes his presence felt.

REGULAR SEASON GRADE: A
POST SEASON ROUNDS 1 & 2 GRADE: A+
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES GRADE: A+ (supported the team from Blacksburg on Facebook)