Six of the top seven defensemen return to the Icer blueline this season. Only last year's captain, Eddie Kmit, is gone from last season. Though his leadership and experience will be missed, the team should have the guys to step in and fill the void. Led by assistant captain Paul Shuttleworth, the Icers also return Don Coyne, Jason Zivkovic, Loren Remetta, Cam Brown and Ryan Wick. Add to that core talented freshmen Jamie Weston and Mike Beightol and you have a solid defensive group.
Guys are excited about it.
Shuttleworth, as hard hitting a defenseman you'll find, said to expect big things from the Icer defense this year. He said the cohesion of the defensive unit is not only apparent on the ice, but off as well. We're always together, always the best of friends. Coyne and Zivkovic tied for third on the team in points last season with 52, which tied an Icer record for points by a defenseman in a season. Both are capable of quarterbacking a power play, and with the added emphasis on defense this season the defense must be a part of the offense.