Lambos, ICE Keep Things in Perspective
March 11, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
Let's start with the obvious, this is an historically unique time and pandemic life spares no one.
So, the Western Hockey League is doing what we're all trying to do - make the best of it.
For the WHL's East Division teams that means gathering in Regina for a 24-game season, but because of the circumstances the clubs won't be playing any exhibition games.
So, how will that affect things?
Well, no pre-season - on top of a year between games for most players - likely means it's going to take a while for the sharpness to return, individually and on a team level.
Really, it's the kind of situation that could mess with your confidence, and that's where preparation comes in.
MINDSET MATTERS
ICE defenceman Carson Lambos sat down after practice yesterday to reflect on where the team is at with the start of the season suddenly just a couple of days away, and the Winnipegger says having the right mental approach is critical.
"We even talked about it a lot before we came here. Trust in the process," said Carson via Zoom from outside the Winnipeg dressing room. "We knew we weren't going to be at game speed right away, so not to get frustrated with that. And, I think by now we're really close to getting there - if we're not yet. I think everyone's feeling good about where we are."
Lambos burst on to the Western League scene in 2019-20 leading all WHL rookie defencemen in points with 32 in 57 games while playing top-pairing minutes and special teams, all in his 16-year-old season.
That showing earned him 'A' prospect status with NHL Central Scouting, a grade reserved for potential first-rounders, and elevated him into a leadership role with the ICE.
It's no surprise then to hear him offer more on how the group wants to frame things, understanding adversity is part of the experience to come.
"If you get into the wrong mindset and you start looking at things negatively, or are looking at the glass half-empty rather than half-full, it can make a huge difference. We've talked a lot about having that positive mindset, positive outlook, leading up to this camp and it's still something we talk about every day."
OUT OF THE GATES
First up for the ICE, a date with their arch-rivals the Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday night.
It's the perfect place to begin with two impressive teams, who love to meet up, getting right to it.
Last season the clubs split eight meetings, and once again there's a special twist to the matchup for Carson - his brother Jonny plays for the Wheaties.
"It's awesome. I'm so happy that we get to do that, such a unique experience and cool opportunity because not a lot of people get to do that. So, it's pretty fun lining up and seeing him across the ice. I'm really looking forward to it. Regardless of my brother, just a chance to play in the Western League again - it's something I'm really happy to do and I think everybody else is sharing that feeling."
No doubt, everyone involved is fired up for the chance to compete in the WHL again but will it be the offences or defenses enjoying the edge early in the season?
"I think it's the people trying to score," offered Carson without much hesitation. "It usually takes a little bit of time to get everyone to buy into the defensive zone systems and everything like that. So, with such a short camp - and no pre-season games - there might be a lot more offensive looks in these first few games just with a lot of young guys who haven't played in the league yet, haven't really had the chance to play pre-season games. I think it's much easier to get your offensive game back faster than your defensive game."
Like the sound of that?
I thought so!
However the games go early-on in this most unusual campaign you can count on Lambos, that's - Carson Lambos, to be in the middle of plenty of the good things that unfold for the Winnipeg ICE.
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Western Hockey League Stories from March 11, 2021
- Silvertips 2020-21 Team Leadership Group Announced - Everett Silvertips
- Korczak Returned to Rockets - Kelowna Rockets
- Anders off to Stellar Start in Final WHL Season - Red Deer Rebels
- Saskatoon Blades Announce Leadership Group for 2021 Season - Saskatoon Blades
- 2020-21 WHL Season Preview: Saskatoon Blades - Saskatoon Blades
- Royals Name Tarun Fizer Captain - Victoria Royals
- Lambos, ICE Keep Things in Perspective - Winnipeg Ice
- Western Hockey League Announces Subway as Title Partner for Hub Centre in Regina - WHL
- Former Wheat Kings Netminder Thompson Sees First NHL Action - Brandon Wheat Kings
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