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Brazil's strong defensive play a big part of Caps' game


Wednesday, April 1st 2009Brazil's strong defensive play a big part of Caps' game

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

  SUMMERSIDE -- The Summerside Western Capitals had high expectations for Steven Brazil, and he's fulfilled those the old-fashioned way -- through hard work.
"Steve Brazil has had an outstanding rookie season," assessed Capitals head coach Kenny MacDougall. "For us, it was a no-brainer to draft him with our third pick overall this year. He's even exceeded our expectations."
Brazil, who turned 18 March 15, has the ability to play on any line, is one of the Caps' top-six penalty killers, never shies away from taking a hit to make a play and has excelled in a defensive role. Not bad for a five-foot-10 and 170-pound right-handed-shooting centre still eligible for midget.
"The way he carries himself you'd think he was in this league for two or three years," said MacDougall. "Steve does a lot of the little things coaches love to see.
"He's a great team player, he's disciplined, he fearlessly blocks shots and he leads our team in blocked shots. He's courageous and outstanding on the penalty kill."
Brazil and veteran Mike MacIsaac have been paired on the penalty kill in the playoffs.
"Ever since midget it's (defensive) the role I've been playing because I like it so much," said Brazil in an interview before Tuesday afternoon's practice. "Players like scoring goals and I like getting dirty, blocking shots and the penalty kill is my favourite."
But Brazil's team-first attitude also extends off the ice. He, along with other rookies, clean the team bus following every road game, often times after arriving home in the early hours of the morning.
"I had the good fortune to coach Steve with Team Atlantic and just knowing the character and skating ability that he had, he was a player we wanted to draft," said MacDougall. "He came into training camp and accounted well for himself, but he's continued to get better each and every month. That just comes from hard work on his part."
So how did Brazil find the adjustment from midget to junior 'A'?
"The players are a lot bigger and stronger," he answered. "Playing with older guys and they're so fast, I had to adjust my speed because I'm so small."
Brazil admits his game has come a long way since training camp.
"Just from experience and playing with the guys I'm playing with," added Brazil. "I've become faster and a smarter hockey player."
Brazil, a native of Goulds, N.L., is enjoying his first year in Summerside, where he attends Grade 12 at Three Oaks Senior High School. Goulds is located just outside St. John's.
"I love it," said Brazil. "It's a lot like home, nice and quiet. The guys are great and I couldn't ask for anything better."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com


The Brazil File

A look at Steven Brazil's
Western Capitals' numbers:
Regular Season
Games: 51
Goals: 9
Assists: 6
Points: 15
Penalty Minutes: 26
Playoffs
Games: 8
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Points: 2
Penalty Minutes: 4
PHOTO- Jason Simmonds, The Journal Pioneer
© Summerside Western Capitals 2008 - MJAHL Real-Time scoring system developed & maintained by Avid Media Ltd.