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Tuesday, September 14, 1999
Barrie star impresses Avs
LOS ANGELES (CP) -- The Colorado Avalanche has one of the best offensive defencemen in the NHL in veteran Sandis Ozolinsh, but it might not be long before it has two.The second could be rookie Martin Skoula, a star with the OHL's Barrie Colts last season.
Like Ozolinsh, Skoula can put points on the board from his blue-line position, collecting 59 points in 67 games with Barrie last year.
The Avs, who drafted Skoula 17th overall in the first round of the 1998 NHL entry draft, are impressed with his development.
"He's a kid with a lot of offensive skill, but who is big and wants to work at his game defensively," Avalanche coach Bob Hartley told the Denver Post. "The questions that will be answered will be how well he crunches in the corners and behind the net, and how he adjusts to the physical aspects of the NHL."
If Skoula can satisfy Hartley in those areas, there is a chance he could be on the opening-night Avalanche roster Oct. 5 at Nashville. If not, he'll play for the AHL's Hershey Bears, Colorado's farm team.
"I'm feeling better every year," he said. "I feel a little more comfortable at this year's camp than my first one last year. You get a little stronger, a little smarter. I don't know what they'll do. There's some spots open, so we'll see. ...
"Obviously, you want to play up in the NHL," he added. "I think I could play (now)."