- Craig Anderson - Goalie - #41
Craig Anderson started off his career by being drafted for the backup goaltending position by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2001 NHL draft at the age of 20. He played a minor role for two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He got very little playing time so he was traded to the Florida Panthers in 2002 to further his goaltending career. His performance was subpar to NHL standards so he was sent down to Florida’s affiliate team the Norfolk Admirals to condition himself. Five years later after lot of training and dedication Craig Anderson was called up back to the Panthers due to a goalie injury crisis. He played 15 games as the starting goaltender and took all fans and critics by surprise. During this span he broke NHL records of most saves in a shutout (53) and also held a streak for most consecutive saves in back to back shutouts (93). Later that year he became a free agent and the Colorado Avalanche drafted him in need of a stand up goaltender that would agree to a fair contract. His first season as a member of Colorado was a huge success. Not only did he become an instant fan favorite but he played amazing throughout the season, posting league leading statistics. That season he took the young Avalanche team to the playoffs were they were knocked out in the first round, which was an incredible improvement seeing as how the Avalanche finished in 29th place last season. He still has one season left with the Avalanche and expectations are high now for this veteran goalie.
http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8467950
- Matt Duchene - Center - #9
Matt Duchene started out his professional hockey career playing for the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Playing for Brampton, Duchene had a couple very successful seasons that ranked him in the top 5 NHL prospects for the 2009 NHL draft. Duchene grew up as a huge Colorado Avalanche fan so it was to his delight when he heard his name called at the draft by his favorite team. He got selected 3rd overall at the young age of 18 years old. He immediately adjusted to the new professional hockey environment tallying 55 points in 81 games with the Colorado Avalanche. By scoring that many points as a rookie, Duchene was nominated for the rookie of the year award after the post season in 2010. Unfortunately he came in second to the breakthrough rookie defenseman Tyler Myers who had a great season with the Buffalo sabres. Duchene has been compared in playing style and leadership to hockey great like Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic (mentioned in an earlier post). He is modest, well spoken and a class act player when it comes to respect of the game. He will only get better as a player and make his team better through his hard work and dedication.
http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8475168
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