Ryan Odell

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.

Ryan Odell:
Regular Season: 14 GP: 13 G, 16 A, 29 P
Post Season: 4 GP: 2 G, 3 A, 5 P
(All stats per Hendricksmemoryability)

No sport places such great value on seasoned veterans as does the sport of hockey. It seems that any team that enters the post season, no matter how pristine a record they boast, can survive the rigors of the playoffs unless they have a guy that has "been there before" to show them the way. Ryan Odell was that guy.

Having won a few championships in his day, Odell was able to share his knowledge from past winners to make the Red Army a winner. Whether it was positive reinforcement, a stern tongue lashing, or just a pat on the back, Odell was there every step of the way to make sure that the steps the Soviets were taking, were forward ones.

And leadership? How many shots did Odell block? How many times did Odell simplify things by simply throwing it on goal? How many times did Odell communicate with Schram little things that made the two a functioning duo? They are immeasurable.

Still, the greatest gift that Odell brought to the Comrades was something else. Sure, his booming shot was a sight for sore eyes for anyone who has seen Hendricks fan on one timers again and again. And his spin-o-rama, though dangerous, when executed effectively was jaw dropping. But what Odell did most, that other players have yet to do, is he set examples on how to properly play playoff hockey. Shifts were short. Pucks went to the net. Changes were made at smart times. Players played within the confines of the rules, but physically. Odell set the standards, and others followed.

And as a result, they followed him to greatness.

Regular Season: B+
Post Season Rounds 1 & 2: A+
Championship Series: A+++++