BRIAN
SALCIDO
Colorado College
Jr. | D | Hermosa Beach, Calif.
Two
early departures made Brian Salcido's role with Colorado
College that much more important.
Photo
by Andris Visockis
Key
Statistics: After dressing in a mere dozen games
as a freshman (recording just one point – a game-winning
goal vs. MSU, Mankato), Salcido’s second season in Colorado
Springs was the consummate breakout year. After earning a
spot on the team’s top power play unit, he notched 30
points for the Tigers and went on a torrid streak at midseason,
with a dozen points in one nine-game stretch.
What
He Does: As a standout in the Southern California
hockey community, and during a successful prep school run
at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in southern Minnesota, Salcido
has earned a reputation as a defenseman with a forward’s
size and moves. Admitting his defensive game still needs improvement,
Salcido instead talks of looking to make the perfect one-time
pass, and perfecting his ability to freeze an opponent with
a quick shake of his head or his shoulder.
The
Bigger Picture: Among the ranks of upperclassmen
on the Colorado College defensive roster, it got a little
less crowded over the summer, with the early departures of
Brady Greco and Mark Stuart for the pro hockey ranks. Salcido
says that each of those players provided very important elements
to the team’s run to the Frozen Four. In their absence,
he admits being focused on the increased minutes and the increased
leadership role that will come his way as the Tigers look
for their third WCHA title in the past four seasons. His coach
says Salcido will be a much more featured defenseman this
season, both out of merit and out of necessity.
CC head coach Scott Owens on Salcido:
“He’s clearly a defenseman who can contribute
offensively, and has a very low panic point with the puck.
Brian has great vision all over the ice and an ability get
the puck into a forward’s hands at the right time.”
