| By
anybody's standards, Cincinnati Stingers defenseman Barry Melrose is a big guy. At
6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he is a big hockey player. Yet the 21 year old second year pro is
seeking additional physical development to complement his game. He doesn't necessarily
want added bulk just strength. "I'd like to get a little bigger and stronger in the
upper body," the Kevington, Sask., native explained as the Stingers prepared for
today's (3 p.m.) contest at Riverfront Coliseum with the Winnipeg Jets. "I'm as big
as most people in hockey, and I won't get knocked off the puck," said Melrose.
"But I'd like a little more strength to give me added confidence. What I need most
right now is confidence in myself." Melrose emphasizes
confidence. He feels he can learn much more about the game, but unless he is confident of
his own ability he won't show the same amount of improvement as some of the other young
players. "I've been playing a lot more lately and that has given me confidence,"
he said. "With me that's all it is - confidence. If I'm mentally ready for the game
and believe I can do the job, I'll have a good game."
Hockey, like all professional sports, involves a great deal of metal
preparation. Mots of the competitors are evenly matched and the players who are best
prepared and can concentrate on their task will win. "I'm not always mentally ready
for the game," admitted Melrose. "If I'm going to get better I must be mentally
prepared every night. That's what I'm working on." Melrose saw limited action as a
rookie last year, playing part of the season in the minors and killing penalties when he
was with the Stingers. This year coach Jacques Demers has called upon Melrose more and
more as the youngster continues to improve and develop. And he has the advantage of
playing with experienced defensemen.
"I've been playing with Balty (Bryon Baltimore) most of the
time and it has really helped me," said Melrose. "He's experienced so I can
learn from him. And he talks to me all the time when we're on the ice." Melrose gave
credit to three other defensemen - Pat Stapleton, Ron Plumb and Barry - all veterans who
have helped him this year. Melrose agrees that he could be more aggressive on the ice,
using his size to better advantage. But he feels that also is part of being mentally
prepared.
"When I go to the body it helps the team," he said.
"My game is hitting and getting the puck and giving it to somebody else. When I go
into a game mentally prepared I hit more. When I'm not hitting it's usually because I'm
not ready." Hitting has been the big difference in the Stingers' season. On those
nights when the \hey are usually successful, but if they let the opponent play the
aggressor the contest is generally settled early.
Demers indicated he would go with Norm LaPointe in goal today
against Winnipeg and will start Michel Dion in Indianapolis Monday night. Dion has been
out of action for two weeks with tendonitis of the hip, but skated in practice Saturday
and should be ready for the Racers. The only other Stinger who might be questionable is
Baltimore who is battling a case of the flu. |
