Every year a new season arrives, with new players and sometimes new coaches with new strategies. One of the easiest ways to mitigate the learning curve of a new season is to quickly find players who have chemistry. No, not the class from middle school that you despised but the natural ability of two players to play together like they were born out of the same womb. Through two games Kamloops Blazers’ forwards Brodi Stuart and Orrin Centazzo have shown they have what it takes to work together and make it look effortless.
“I thought there was chemistry right off the hop, at the start of exhibition season… I like those two, I like that chemistry.” – Serge Lajoie
Stuart, a 18-year-old left shot is in his 2nd full season with the Blazers. After a great rookie season last year that saw the Langley BC native score 16 goals and 38 points in 70 games Stuart went through the NHL draft undrafted. If the first two games of the season are any indication, it’s going to be very difficult for NHL teams to pass on the winger a 2nd time. Centazzo, a speedy centre from Marwayne AB is in his third full season in the Western Hockey League and joined the blazers mid-way through last season in a trade from the Everett Silvertips. Splitting his time with the Silvertips and the Blazers the flashy forward finished with 26 points in 72 games. In his first full year as a Blazer, Centazzo is looking to work himself into the NHL draft picture with a big year.
Both players like to play the game fast “I think we just use our speed well.” Stuart said of playing with his linemate Centazzo “we know where each other are, and make smart plays together. We’ve been together since camp and have good chemistry together.” No doubt both players are looking for increased production this year while taking on larger, more impactful roles. Through two games this season, Stuart has totaled two goals and an assist while Centazzo has one goal and three assists. While the Blazers success doesn’t hinge on the Centazzo-Stuart combination, the team will certainly enjoy seeing these two have career years.
The team bus will depart the Sandman Centre today en route to Victoria for a pair of games Friday and Saturday.
