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fever95 · 02-20-2014, 02:48 AM

<div align="center">O'Callahan to Make the Switch?</div>

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02.19.2014
Associated Press
Boston Herald
Boston, Massachusetts

<div align="center">Carter O'Callahan is entering his fourth season in the Simulation Hockey League and he has had a pretty successful three seasons as a power forward on New England's second forward line. O'Callahan was drafted with the third overall selection in the Seaso 14 SHL Entry Draft by the New England Wolfpack and was arguably, one the the best rookies during that season, finishing with 8 goals, 14 assists, and 22 points in 50 games played. He added 104 hits and 4 blocked shots with a plus 5 rating and a game winning goal. This was good enough to finish as the runner-up for the Ryan Jesster Trophy as SHL's rookie of the year, behind Los Angeles Panthers' center, Marian Potoczny. The Wolfpack went on an improbable run to the Challenge Cup Finals, knocking out the Hamilton Steelhawks, and cup favourites, Manhattan Rage on the way there. The young Pack didn't have enough gas left in the tank as they eventually lost to the Texas Renegades in six games. Carter finished the playoffs with a goal, and 7 assists for 8 points in 19 playoff games, adding 34 hits and a shot block along the way. He also had a minus 1 rating during the cinderella run and the future looked bright for the young native of Northern Ireland.

During his sophomore season, a season where players often take a step back, O'Callahan did the exact opposite, breaking out in a big way. Carter scored 25 times and added 28 assists for 53 points in 50 games played. He took the body just as aggressively, tallying 114 hits, and 11 blocked shots. Three of his goals were game winners, and he doubled his plus/minus rating, finishing with a plus 10, and helped lead the Pack to a first place finish in the Eastern Conference. The role was reversed in the playoffs for New England, being heavily favoured this time around against the underdog, West Kendall Platoon. The series was a back and forth affair and a very exciting series, but the Wolfpack were shocked and eventually upset in 7 games while the Platoon went to the Challenge Cup Finals, losing to the powerhouse Edmonton Blizzard. O'Callahan finished with a goal and three assists for four points in 7 games. He had a plus 2 rating and 14 hits and the Wolfpack had a much longer off-season than they would have liked.

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Carter O'Callahan, coming off a breakout season in Season 15, was arguably even better during Season 16. He finished with a couple points less than his previous season, but played more of an all-around game. Carter scored just 18 goals, but became one of the premier playmakers in the league, adding 33 assists for 51 points. His defensive game was much better, doubling his plus/minus total once again, to a plus 20 and using that big body of his to throw 124 hits, and blocking 3 shots. He scored 4 game winning goals, and a pair of game tying goals, leading the Pack to a second straight Eastern Conference title and their first President's Trophy in franchise history. New England would meet a formidable opponent in round one of the playoffs in the form of the West Kendall Platoon, a team they dominated all season long. The Wolfpack wanted redemption and were adamant on not taking West Kendall lightly this time around while the Platoon wanted to play spoiler once again. The series was one for the ages, fans on the edge of their seats right from the get go. After six games, the two clubs were all tied up and heading back to Boston for a seventh and deciding game for the second straight season. History tends to repeat it itself and the young West Kendall Platoon came away with the upset again, sending the Wolfpack home for another long summer. the Platoon were not far behind, as the Toronto North Stars swept them to punch their ticket to the Challenge Cup Finals. The Edmonton Blizzard came away with their second straight cup and third in four seasons in a six game series win. Carter O'Callahan scored just two goals this time around, with a plus one rating and 19 hits. One of his goals tied the game, but he was very unnoticeable in these playoffs.

The Season 16 off-season is now in full swing and the New England Wolfpack management has been busy with trades, bringing in one of the best young goalies in the game, Jermaine Tennyson as well as a power forward similar to O'Callahan's style of play, Erik Lehner. Noah Robinson also came over from Seattle to provide some stability as the backup goaltender. Rumour has it that the Pack were very close to signing Michael Haan before he decided to re-sign with the Edmonton Blizzard and be traded to the Hamilton Steelhawks. Earlier tonight, Chad Levasseur was signed to a multi-year contract and I have reason to believe that general manager, John McBride is not done yet.

Training camp got underway tonight at Ristuccia Arena, the Wolfpack training facility in Wilmington, Massachusetts and reports are that Carter O'Callahan was taking shifts on the blue line, alongside fellow Season 14 draftee, Chuck Winnfield. Many reporters were shocked to see this and had questions that they wanted answers to. Head coach, Roberto Martucci had this to say when questioned,

"Our defense has had a bit of a hole in our top four for a while, not having a real top-tier first pairing since Dean Clarke stopped developing. We thought we might give OC a shot at playing on the blue line this season but haven't made a decision as of yet. We will see how it goes in training camp before making our final decision".

Carter has looked comfortable at the point so far and should have no problem making the transition, should the Wolfpack coaching staff decide to go ahead with the change and would make up one of the most lethal defensive pairings in the SHL. O'Callahan was also questioned about the possible change and had the following comments,

Yeah. I feel good back there and it has been much easier to learn with my buddy Winnfield as my partner. Playing the type of game that I have played throughout my carrer also has to help and I look forward to the challenge if that is what the coaching staff decides to do".

Is this just a tactic to get other SHL teams around the league thinking and confused about what game plan to implement or is it for real? I guess we will find out when the puck drops for opening night on the SHL's 17th season at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Until then, we can only ponder and watch the line combinations during training camp and the pre-season.

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Dion · 02-20-2014, 02:51 AM

Great Article fevs!

I didnt know you where switching to Defense, but its gonna be a good move, with our forward depth, this will help our pretty deep defense out alot also.

#CupOrBust