Znutas was Atlantic Hockey's top-scoring freshman
defenseman in 2007-08. |
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Key Statistics: Znutas
was Holy Cross’ top scorer on the blue line, posting
six goals and nine assists in his rookie season. He
scored his first collegiate goal in his first game,
against Niagara. He played two seasons for The Hotchkiss
School in Connecticut, leading the team in assists (14)
and topping all defensemen with 16 points in his final
season. He was a two-time Founders League all-star.
Znutas played three seasons of high school hockey with
Bergen (N.J.) Catholic, winning a state title in 2003.
What He Does: Znutas
is one of those rare collegians who saw no time in juniors,
but he was well-schooled in prep school. His best attribute
is his explosive skating and good lateral movement,
allowing him to cover large and small areas with his
reach. He plays well on the power play, and always has
his head up to make the next pass. The coaches in Atlantic
Hockey like him: Znutas was voted to the All-Rookie
Team.
The Bigger Picture: Coach
Paul Pearl says there’s not much more he can ask
of Znutas, who is already playing 25 minutes a game.
Znutas will continue to be a top-line defenseman, and
Pearl hopes as Znutas gets stronger it will help his
offensive game. He only took 49 shots last season, and
Pearl is urging him to take more.
Holy Cross head coach Paul Pearl
on Znutas: “Mark played a ton of minutes
as a freshman. We think he got better as the year went
along. That experience should help him.”
—
Ken McMillan |
