Marshall Burr knows how important sophomore seasons are in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL), with the looming WHL Bantam Draft in May and expectations of a successful playoff run.
However, the 6í1î defenceman, and captain of the Airdrie Xtreme, said he is taking it all in stride this season.
ìI try not to think about it,î said Burr, 15, who grew up playing Airdrie minor hockey. ìI play my game and everything will sort of fall into place however it works out. Iíll just go out there and play the best I can. Iíd love to win Westerns. Being my last year on the Xtreme, that would be great. But whatever happens, happens, and I just want to give it my best shot.î
Burr, whose older brother Mason plays for the WHLís Red Deer Rebels, has 13 points in 26 games for Airdrie in the 2011-12 season, after posting 12 points in 28 games during his rookie season.
ìI think itís been going really well,î he said of his sophomore campaign. ìOur team has really been coming together in the second half of the season. I think myself and the assistant captains on the team have really done a great job of pulling the boys together.î
ìLast year, he was one of the top D as a first-year,î said head coach Terry Keogh. ìThe presence that he brings, and the leadership when heís on the bench ñ weíre a different team when heís in the lineup, even we if we have to use him sparingly. Thatís a huge tribute to him and his leadership skills.î
Burr missed three games due to a separated left shoulder nearly three weeks ago, but returned to the lineup against Red Deer and Lethbridge, Jan. 28 and 29. He said his recovery has been ahead of schedule and that he was fit to play last weekend.
ìIt feels great,î he said. ìWeíve done a good job of strengthening up my shoulder. I feel my improvement is on the right track. My biggest challenge right now is staying healthy.î
Airdrie secured a playoff spot in a 7-4 win over Lethbridge, Jan. 29, but will play its final four regular season games on the road. Burr said the team is ready for the stretch run.
ìWeíve got everyone going full force. The guys, especially the first-years, are stepping up huge for us late in the season, just before playoffs; itís the perfect time,î he said.
ìWere looking at having a real strong run in the playoffs this year. Last season was a bit of a disappointment, as we were out in the first round. We donít want that to happen again. I think weíre ready for playoffs and will do the best we can.î
