Parkinson says it's been at least five years since
he scored a goal from more than five feet outside
the crease. |
| Index
of Profiles
|
Key Statistics: Parkinson
was a top-scoring rookie for the Seawolves last season,
with 16 points in 33 games and was second on the team
in goals with seven. Among the team’s top four
centers, Parkinson owned the Seawolves’ best faceoff
winning percentage (.538) and had three multi-point
games.
What He Does: Parkinson
lives for those moments where he’s eyeing an opponent
across the faceoff dot, the official prepares to drop
the puck, and both players know that only one of them
will get control of it. His favorite counterpart is
Denver’s Tyler Bozak – an old rival from
their days in the British Columbia junior hockey ranks.
The flip side to that often good-natured rivalry is
the territorial battles with an opposing defenseman
for position in front of the net. “That’s
not a friendly competition,” Parkinson said. “That
one hurts.”
The Bigger Picture: Parkinson
estimates that it’s been at least five years since
the last time he scored a goal from more than five feet
outside the crease. His coach notes that since the front
of the net is where most goals are scored in the modern
game of hockey, that’s a good thing, and Parkinson’s
off-season work on strength training will help his game
going forward. He had a fast start to his college career,
recording five points in the Seawolves’ first
four games. His hot start typifies the way things went
for UAA last season, when, in the coach’s words,
“As the season progressed, everything got tougher.”
The Seawolves were a game under .500 on New Years’
Day, but won just once in their last 19 games to finish
10th in the WCHA. This season, an older sophomore like
Parkinson (he turned 22 in May) is expected to play
a leadership role in the quest to turn things around
in Anchorage.
Alaska Anchorage head coach Dave
Shyiak on Parkinson: “I’m most
impressed with Craig’s hockey sense and the way
he sacrifices his body. He plays in front of the net
on the power play, and is willing to block shots. And
Craig has a real good knack for knowing where to be
and where the puck is at all times.”
—
Jess Myers |
