Omilusik's two linemates from last season graduated,
so he could be in line for a promotion to Army's
No. 1 unit. |
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Key Statistics: Omilusik
enjoyed a good rookie season for the Black Knights,
the regular-season champs of Atlantic Hockey. Appearing
in 36 games, he tied for fourth on the team in goals
(nine) and sixth in points (16). Omilusik was one of
nine Atlantic Hockey players to score at least two short-handed
goals, and his three game-winners ranked fifth in the
league. In his final year of juniors with the Santa
Fe Roadrunners of the NAHL, Omilusik posted 22 goals
and 24 assists in 61 games – he had two shorties
and recorded 12 goals and 10 assists on the power play.
He added five goals in the playoffs.
What He Does: Omilusik
creates offense by doing two things well: skating quickly
and playing physically. He’s also not afraid to
crash the net with his 5-foot-10, 175-pound body. “He’s
willing to pay a price,’’ said coach Brian
Riley. As part of his all-around game, Omilusik minds
his defensive duties and is willing to block shots.
He killed penalties and added more and more time on
the power play as the season went along.
The Bigger Picture: Omilusik
played alongside a pair of seniors – right winger
Ken Rowe and center Jeff Fearing – so he’s
going to be looking for new linemates this season. Don’t
be surprised if he gets to play with outstanding junior
left winger Owen Meyer, the team’s leading scorer
last season. Riley expects Omilusik’s point production
to go up. Omilusik is a positive influence in the Army
locker room, a valuable intangible in a year of transition
for the Black Knights.
Army head coach Brian Riley on
Omilusik: “I think he’s a kid that
we are definitely counting on, even though he’s
a sophomore, to come in and play more like a junior
or senior for us. He would be the first to say that
he would accept that role and looks forward to being
in a key role for us. He has a lot of upside and valuable
tools that will make him a good player for us.”
—
Ken McMillan |
