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DeletedAtUserRequest · 04-14-2017, 05:52 PM

‘Endurance may be the most important attribute for any player in the SHL’

Words spoken by rookie Kelowna Knight Mike Izzy who's world wind journey through the SHL has turned a relative unknown into a touted draft pick, top line starter of 24 preseason games as well as the first 3 matchups in the SMJHL regular season! Did we mention this has all taken place in just 16 days!?

The speed in which things occur in this hockey league can cause whiplash! Which is why the speed of Mike Izzys rise towards relevance is a newsworthy event as this type of progression can only be possible when every opportunity that presents itself is taken… to do it in this time frame would require a sustained effort of endurance and activity.. which are the building blocks of SHL stardom.

Taking advantage of opportunities within the Kelowna Knights starts with the meticulous minds of coaches EJ and Jenny and there attention to detail.

‘I've had coaches who have been sticklers for detail but none to the extent of EJ and Jenny who are always the first to arrive, the last to leave and in the middle demand excellence. The circle of team activity revolves around them and If you are to truly impress them you must demand the same for yourself’ states Izzy -

And that impression must have been made as the 3rd round pick from Whitby found himself working alongside sniper John Langabeer on the top line of the Knights preseason opener where izzy racked up 18:24 of ice time in a 4-2 victory over St. Louis! The Izzy/Langabeer/Haugen line stayed in tact for the duration of a successful Kelowna preseason which watched the Knights reign victorious in 13 of 24 games.

John Langabeer and Leafer Reilly led Kelowna's preseason attack each ending with 26 points.. ranking both of them within the league's top 10 in scoring, while Knights netminder Sebastian Thompson (13-7-4) did his part to help secure victories.

Nicknamed THE AUGMENT for his ability to adapt and excel, this experience gained by Izzy was immeasurable and not without reward as 24 games resulted in 2 goals, 7 assists, 10 PIM, 29 hits, 27 blocks and a healthy 19 min of ice time per game.

‘There was a lot to learn on the ice and from my teammates. Haugen (64 hits) made it clear that the quickest way to gain respect out there is to hit someone hard enough to knock there teeth out. Reilly showed us that leadership is essential on every line during every shift and Ellie Werenski made the dirty work look pretty leading the team in both penalty minutes and blocks!

You can bet as I continue to advance my player attributes that the plan is to add those qualities to my game........ as a matter of fact i have close to 20 TPE waiting to be added and my hope is that added firepower is on the way’ - Mike Izzy

If preseason was on the job training than the start of the regular season was the paycheck as Izzy jumped started the season with Kelowna's 1st goal ending with (1G, +2, 1H, 1BS) and the game's 1st star award! Unfortunately those efforts did not produce a victory as the Knights fell to Prince George in an overtime shootout.

- Scoop Hudler
Whitby Times
560 Words

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Jenny · 04-14-2017, 05:58 PM

XLeafer · 04-14-2017, 05:59 PM

Steelhead77 · 04-14-2017, 11:16 PM

Great Stuff! Mike Izzy is off to a nice start in his career!

Cheers

---> ParmBorg Highlights <---

#1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer
- First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History -
- First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History -
- First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups -
Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34
Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45

Dragonite

Muerto · 04-15-2017, 03:18 AM

note to scouts: keep an eye on this kid

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