CRAIG SWITZER
New Hampshire
Jr. | D | Peachland, British Columbia
Switzer was a ninth-round selection of the Nashville
Predators in 2004.
Key Statistics: After potting a goal and 13 assists in his freshman year,
Switzer raced out to a fast start last season before tailing off a bit.
But he still scored two goals along with 14 assists to prove his scoring
worth from the blue line for the second year in a row.
What He Does: With the
loss of Brian Yandle, Hockey East's best offensive defenseman
over the course of the last three years, Switzer's role
on the back end will be even more important for the
high-flying Wildcats. He has great vision with the puck,
can start the break and will quarterback the power play.
The Bigger Picture: UNH
coach Dick Umile will be looking towards Switzer and
fellow junior Brad Flaishans to provide the defensive
leadership. Switzer should fill Yandle's role this year
nicely. While he probably won't match the graduated
senior's production on the offensive end, Switzer does
play better defense and should develop into a very solid
two-way player this year.
UNH coach Dick Umile on Switzer:
"Switzer has been a guy who has played a lot of
minutes for us back there, has a lot of experience,
and we look forward to him providing more of that for
us this season. I think he'll produce more and step
into more of a leadership role. With the loss of Brian
Yandle, other people are going to have to step into
that position, and that is a role I think Craig can
fill."
Switzer was a ninth-round selection of the Nashville
Predators in 2004.