(BRHL2-Jay) Size and intensity is an undercurrent in the NYI organization as the Isles team captain Bill Guerin is joined by alternate captain Owen Nolan at a press conference to announce that big, hitting blueliner Toni Lydman wil be the other alternate captain for the Islanders in the BRHL2 for the 2007/08 season. Lydman is an underrated force in all aspects of the game, a player who last season played both the powerplay and penalty kill and logged heavy minutes in all key situations. This season he's expected to play a more reserved role, more of a defensive stay at home type, and to help the late-twentysomething blueline mature.
In other news, a trade for Alexander Svitov was also announced at the press conference. The tall hard-hitting pivot is expected to centre the Tigers fourth line and be a capable third liner when call-ups present the opportunity. Word is he'll head back to Europe at the end of the minor league season but in the meantime he's expected to be a valuable role player in a cup run, bringing size and intensity, traits valued within the organization.
