Mike Machnik <[log in to unmask]> writes:
 
>That ranks Jakopin as the second biggest defenseman in DivI...second to=
> teammate Steve McKenna at 6'8", 235.  It's pretty unusual to be as big as=
> Jakopin is and still not be the biggest guy on your own team. :-)
 
It's been interesting watching these two 'grow up' together. McKenna
came in as a project and Jakopin came in as an NHL draft pick
(Detroit?). IMHO, Jakopin hasn't improved a lick while McKenna's blown
by him as Mike says here:
 
> McKenna, now a=
> captain as a junior, has improved so much at both ends that he deserves to=
> be considered one of the better Ds in HE and also an NHL prospect - there=
> may be none better in HE defensively, and although he is not flashy with=
> the puck, he has developed a good burst of speed that is deceptive given=
> his size.  Few players man the point better than him in terms of being able=
> to keep the puck in the zone, stopping a clear attempt and putting the puck=
> right on net, and getting back quickly on a transition by the other team. =
 
Steve has definitely developed a VERY deceptive burst of speed going
up-ice. He's aided greatly by his wingspan--he can carry the puck well
away from anyone's poke check. If there is anything that will keep
Steve out of the pros it's his COMPLETE lack of a slapshot. You'd
swear he had a pillow on the end of his stick!
 
Cheers,
rand
--
Rand P. Hall, Manager of Systems and Networking
Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, USA      [log in to unmask]
 
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