Nehring focuses on improving his game and getting the puck to linemates

 By LINDA BOUVET, LSSU Sports Information Director

While he's scored a few goals of his own during the second half of the 2008-09 season, sophomore forward Chad Nehring has one priority when he's out on the ice.

"Just work the corners and get them the puck," said the 6-foot, 201-pounder from Springside, Sask., in reference to linemates Nathan Perkovich and Dan Barczuk. "I try to play more of a feisty, slash and grind game. I'll throw some hits...and try to make a play when it's there."

Nehring centers a line that includes Barczuk, who is a 6-2, 181-pound freshman left wing, and Perkovich, a 6-5, 197-pound junior right wing. The trio makes up the Lakers' biggest line on the ice, averaging 6-2 ½ and 192.7 pounds. In comparison, the Schofield line averages 6-1, 190.3, followed by the Cassiani line at 6-2 ½, 192.7 and the Cooper line at 6-0, 181.3.

"I was not aware (that we were our biggest line), but I would have thought we would be up there with Perk's size," Nehring said. "I don't think our role is too much different, but the size helps us use our bodies down low and work in the corners."

Nehring netted three goals and one assist during the Lakers' last five games, while Barczuk has a goal and four assists in their last six games. Perkovich has an empty-net goal and two assists while working his way back from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for four games.

"I've been with Barczuk most of the year," Nehring said. "I just love playing with him. He plays my style. We've been with Perk the last six games. We're just clicking, getting passes to each other.

"I would guess that Barczuk and Perkovich are arguably two of the quickest guys on our team. The part of my game that I need to work on the most is foot speed. My job in the middle is to get those guys the puck when they're flying down the wings."

Senior captain Troy Schwab has noticed Nehring's efforts to improve his game and the chemistry on his line.

"Their success is coming from hard work right now," he said. "He (Nehring) puts in a lot of work. Of all the guys in the room he puts in the most work off the ice, improving his game. He's very dedicated and very motivated. He's constantly on the bike or on the ladder - anything he can do to improve his game.

"Chad is really good down low - more of a power forward. Dan hits and creates a lot of open ice. Perk is a big guy with good hands and can finish. Those are three dimensions that you really like."

Nehring is one of five Saskatchewan natives on this year's Laker team. His successful Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League career included an impressive performance during the 2007 playoffs. He was the league's No. 2 scorer with 13-11-24 in 17 playoff games for the Yorkton Terriers.

"We had a really good team and won back-to-back championships," he said. "If you win the fans are with you. We sold out the rinks during our runs."

Nehring, noting that Sault Ste. Marie reminds him a lot of Yorkton, most-enjoyed playing two junior seasons with his older brother, Dustin, who is now out of hockey and works full-time in carpentry. Nehring helped his older brother build a house last summer.

That turned out to be his favorite summer job, but Nehring hopes to one day teach physical education and coach hockey. He has earned more and more responsibility as an on-ice instructor at the summer camps he works annually. He's learned how to gear down and work with young players of all abilities.

"You've got to be level-headed," said Nehring of being the teacher rather than the pupil. "It's not about what you think you can do out there. You have to be patient with the kids and help them along - whatever age it is."

This season, Nehring switched from wearing jersey No. 15 to No. 16, which is the number he wore in Yorkton. The number was retired for a year following Tim Breslin's death in 2005, and only two players have worn it since.

"I was aware that Coach Roque had worn it because before one practice he joked around about me having it," Nehring said. "I was not aware of Tim Breslin wearing it."

While appreciating the historical significance of the number on his jersey, Nehring is more focused on the present and future of Laker Hockey.

"When we win games, the atmosphere is amazing," he said. "It's a great feeling, having the crowd behind us and wanting us to do well. When we win it's great, but we know we've got to be ready for every game in order to make a loud noise in this league."