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New captain, fresh perspective helps shake things up in Saddle Lake

When the going gets tough for a hockey team, one strategy to motivate the players is to shake things up by bringing in a new captain with a fresh perspective, quiet intensity, and skill to boot.
Andre Kuznetsov, born and raised in Plamondon, has been leading the Saddle Lake Warriors for a portion of the season. The determined hockey player is hopeful to help the
Andre Kuznetsov, born and raised in Plamondon, has been leading the Saddle Lake Warriors for a portion of the season. The determined hockey player is hopeful to help the Warriors succeed and gain some momentum.

When the going gets tough for a hockey team, one strategy to motivate the players is to shake things up by bringing in a new captain with a fresh perspective, quiet intensity, and skill to boot. Such is the case with the Saddle Lake Warriors this season. Struggling with injuries, departing players, and team commitment, and having won just three games by the end of November, the Warriors were in desperate need of new talent.

Enter Andre Kuznetsov. Born and raised in Plamondon, Kuznetsov has been playing hockey since he was four years old. His experience with the game, combined with a calm and reassuring personality, allow him to carry himself with an air of humble confidence. “Hockey has always been something that I love to do, and something that I am good at. Not everyone finds something that they enjoy and that they excel at so early in life, so I think I’m pretty lucky.”

After Warriors coach Darren Reid played against him in a game, Reid knew that Kuznetsov was exactly the kind of player that the Warriors needed to strengthen their offensive lineup, and to support the team during the rough moments of the season.

Kuznetsov is no stranger to Junior B hockey. He played a short stint with the St. Paul Canadiens a few years ago before taking a break from organized play to pursue other professional avenues. But he has now returned to the league to aid the Warriors in their desperation, quickly being named team captain after just three games with Saddle Lake.

Coach Reid has continually praised Kuznetsov, stating that he possesses the innate characteristics of a team captain. “He’s a natural born leader,” said Reid. “He plays hard day in and day out, and is the kind of player that younger guys can look up to. The boys rely on him, and they look to him when they’re in a tough spot.”

Kuznetsov has played seven games with the Warriors, and already has six goals and five assists to his name. Early in December, he scored a hat trick on his way to lifting the Warriors over the Vermilion Tigers for the team’s first win in some time. He has great vision on the ice, he attacks hard, and doesn’t back down from physical play.

“Saddle Lake has struggled offensively and defensively, and I want to help improve the team in any way that I can,” said Kuznetsov. “At least when it comes to offense, I know that I can help. I play hard and I score goals; that’s just what I do, and that’s why I’m here.”

In addition to racking up eleven points in seven games, Kuznetsov also has twenty penalty minutes. He has quickly become a target on the ice, and opposing teams watch him carefully, guard him closely, and attack him physically. But Kuznetsov isn’t afraid of the rough stuff. “I will do whatever I can to help us win,” he said. “Maybe we don’t need goals at the moment; maybe we just need some momentum with a big hit or two.”

“The boys here in Saddle Lake have been really good to me since I came. They’ve all made me feel really welcome and I think things are working out pretty well. We complement each other and it’s a good organization.”

But one player does not a hockey team make, and Kuznetsov is well aware, as team captain, that his team needs to improve in a big way.

“Defense is the weakest part of our game right now. I mean, we don’t score a ton of goals, but you can win a game with a single goal if you have to. But you can’t win anything when you’re getting outscored by ten or more goals.”

The Warriors have twelve games remaining this season, and with Kuznetsov at the helm, things can only get better for Saddle Lake. Kuznetsov’s aggression and skill on the ice make any Warriors game worth watching.

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