A giant on the Bulldogs: Raitis Ivanans
Oct 10, 2004 12:06:21 GMT -5
Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Oct 10, 2004 12:06:21 GMT -5
The Bozolator spewed out:
06-10-2004
Mathias Brunet
La Presse
Hamilton
In Hamilton the Canadiens count on one of the most physically imposing players in professional hockey, Raitis Ivanans.
And the organization would like to see him develop to the point of becoming its strong man in Montreal.
It takes some doing to miss Ivanans on the ice. The 25 year old colossus, recruited this summer as a free agent, measures 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 260 pounds, with 9% body fat.
Ivanans, a native of Latvia, is not the most elegant player but had there not been a lockout he would have had the chance to fight for the post of Habs "policeman", left vacant by the departure of Darren Langdon.
Bob Gainey had declared this summer that Ivanans name appeared on the short list of successors to Langdon.
"I did not know him before his arrival to the Canadiens organization, but I like his of work ethic", mentions Bulldogs GM André Savard. "When a player works hard his chances to develop are better."
Ivanans bounced from one minor league to another since 1997. He obtained a regular position in the American League only last year with Milwaukee, Nashville's farm club.
"I developed late", mentions this strapping man who also serves as big brother to the exceptionally gifted young Andrei Kostitsyn. "I left Latvia at 17 to develop as a hockey player. I was a defenseman and I was looking for a style. I didn't fight. Now I know my role better. I took boxing lessons and I developed gradually in this area. But I want to prove that I can be effective on the ice."
Doug Jarvis, the coach of the Bulldogs, intends to help him develop as a player. His challenge is a serious one, taking into account the limited natural skills of this giant. "He's a big guy and he's effective along the boards but he must learn to protect the puck better when he has possession of it."
"We want that he avoids turnovers. Ivan, as I call him, is a project and he'll have the chance to develop with us."
Ivanans should form a defensive trio with center Gavin Morgan, a small plague acquired from the Dallas organization, and Jonathan Ferland, a Canadiens prospect known for his robust play.
06-10-2004
Mathias Brunet
La Presse
Hamilton
In Hamilton the Canadiens count on one of the most physically imposing players in professional hockey, Raitis Ivanans.
And the organization would like to see him develop to the point of becoming its strong man in Montreal.
It takes some doing to miss Ivanans on the ice. The 25 year old colossus, recruited this summer as a free agent, measures 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 260 pounds, with 9% body fat.
Ivanans, a native of Latvia, is not the most elegant player but had there not been a lockout he would have had the chance to fight for the post of Habs "policeman", left vacant by the departure of Darren Langdon.
Bob Gainey had declared this summer that Ivanans name appeared on the short list of successors to Langdon.
"I did not know him before his arrival to the Canadiens organization, but I like his of work ethic", mentions Bulldogs GM André Savard. "When a player works hard his chances to develop are better."
Ivanans bounced from one minor league to another since 1997. He obtained a regular position in the American League only last year with Milwaukee, Nashville's farm club.
"I developed late", mentions this strapping man who also serves as big brother to the exceptionally gifted young Andrei Kostitsyn. "I left Latvia at 17 to develop as a hockey player. I was a defenseman and I was looking for a style. I didn't fight. Now I know my role better. I took boxing lessons and I developed gradually in this area. But I want to prove that I can be effective on the ice."
Doug Jarvis, the coach of the Bulldogs, intends to help him develop as a player. His challenge is a serious one, taking into account the limited natural skills of this giant. "He's a big guy and he's effective along the boards but he must learn to protect the puck better when he has possession of it."
"We want that he avoids turnovers. Ivan, as I call him, is a project and he'll have the chance to develop with us."
Ivanans should form a defensive trio with center Gavin Morgan, a small plague acquired from the Dallas organization, and Jonathan Ferland, a Canadiens prospect known for his robust play.