BRYAN
LEITCH
Quinnipiac
So. | F | Coquitlam, British Columbia
Minnesota's Phil Kessel was the only freshman
in the country with more points than Leitch (left)
last season.
Key Statistics: Only
St. Lawrence All-American forward T.J. Trevelyan scored
more points among ECAC Hockey League players than Leitch
last season. As a freshman, Leitch tallied 14 goals
and 31 assists. Compared to other rookies nationwide,
his 45 points only trailed Minnesota's Phil Kessel.
What He Does: Leitch
is a versatile scorer who can finish, as evidenced by
his 14 goals, but he's an even better set-up man. He
was a key part of Quinnipiac's top power-play unit with
linemates Jamie Bates and Ben Nelson and defensemen
Matt Sorteberg and Reid Cashman.
The Bigger Picture: Leitch's
stellar freshman campaign is a testament to his natural
ability and also to the Bobcats coaching staff for allowing
him to play that type of game, instead of trying to
convert him into a checking-line winger. Leitch and
sophomores Bates and Nelson comprised the team's top
line last year, and a strong incoming recruiting class
will bolster Quinnipiac's group of young and talented
forwards. There should be plenty of excitement in Hamden
as the Bobcats open the TD Banknorth Center later this
season.
Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold
on Leitch: “We'd like to see him keep
taking strides toward being a better all-around player.
He did that last year and will work at it again this
year."
Minnesota's Phil Kessel was the only freshman
in the country with more points than Leitch (left)
last season.