Post-deadline Blazers give massive opportunity for younger players to step up

“I have to be aware of my habits and show the young guys in the room the way to act, and how to perceive the game and if they can take over some habits and learn, then I did my job,” said Bairos.

“It’s going to be important for those guys to lead the right way with compete, work ethic, structure, energy on a day-to-day basis,” added Head Coach and GM Shaun Clouston. “And then it’s an opportunity for some young players to step up.”

For the young guns, including newcomer Cole Wadsworth, the next 30 games will be a showcase to management that they deserve a spot in the Blazers future.

“It’s a situation where, honestly, our 2006 group has really struggled to get traction and time will tell and it will play out, but what we saw in Cole was a potential upgrade in that age group,” said Clouston.

Swetlikoff has had a down year with Lethbridge, but understands a new team may be just what the doctor ordered.

“Do my best to provide a model and lead by example and try to implement good habits. That’s always something you can really focus on — doing things the right way, working hard, taking care of yourself on and off the ice. I think that’s going to be a real important piece and something I take a lot of pride in,” said Swetlikoff.

The new look Blazers hit the ice Friday night at home against the Everett Silvertips at 7:00 p.m.

by Michael Reeve

Post-deadline Blazers give massive opportunity for younger players to step up

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