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Key Statistics: UConn
coach Bruce Marshall recruited Olson to be a scorer
and the big left wing did not disappoint, potting a
pair of goals in each of his first two collegiate games.
Olson led the Huskies in goals (14) and points (24).
He ranked 29th in Atlantic Hockey scoring and fourth
among rookies. His goal total ranked 11th in the league
and third among freshmen. Five of his tallies came on
the power play, one while short-handed and three were
game-winners. He produced points in six of his final
eight games of the season, including a pair of two-point
efforts in a quarterfinal series with Sacred Heart.
In his final season with the Des Moines Buccaneers,
Olson posted 18 goals and 42 points.
What He Does: Olson is
not afraid to take a shot as evidenced by his 113 rips
on net, and he will fire from just about anywhere. His
shots are heavy and he gets them off fairly quickly,
Olson’s success rate is 12.5 percent. “He
swings at enough where he’s going to hit a few
out,’’ Marshall said. Olson is strong on
his feet and protects the puck well. He finished the
season playing alongside center Jason Krispel and right
wing Chris Spicer, and Marshall liked what the line
offered.
The Bigger Picture: Olson
is a top-line player who will be utilized in every situation,
especially on the penalty kill. Marshall likes Olson’s
willingness to play physical as he uses his 6-foot-3
frame well – in the offseason, he has added 10
pounds, up to 210.
Connecticut head coach Bruce Marshall
on Olson: “As a freshman, you are going
to go through peaks and valleys. He never really dipped
too far down – maybe he got frustrated when he
wasn’t scoring as much but he was still a guy
we needed on the ice when his time came up. He gained
consistency, and I think we can improve on that this
year. He has met our expectations.”
—
Ken McMillan |
