On a team deep in skilled forwards, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.
So Cochrane Generals rookie forward Steven Tisdale can be forgiven for trying to find his way.
Rebounding from a lingering “upper-body” injury, the 6-foot forward who plays with a chip on his shoulder is currently grinding it out in a bottom-six, energy role.
Part of the issue with that is he’s very good at it. He makes it easy for head coach Evan McFeeters to play him that way.
Spotted on a line with Dustin Boone, you’ll find Tisdale stapling opposing d-men to the end boards and getting under the skin of anyone wearing a different-coloured sweater. After that, you’ll find him camped out in the “dirty” areas of the ice, fighting for space in front of opposing goaltenders.
“I’m just trying to work hard and be positive,” Tisdale said outside the team’s dressing room following a 5-4 overtime win Jan. 24 over visiting Ponoka Stampeders. “I’m comfortable where I am at the moment.”
The other obstacle facing Tisdale is a strong Gens top-6. By the time you get past Slater Ransom, Talus Hume, Chad Harrison, Colby Chartier, Chris Hugo and Connor Rendell you are left with one the of the best, if not the best, bottom-six forward groups in the league – of which Tisdale is a member.
Still, the 18-year-old former Bow Valley Midget Timberwolves sniper feels he has more to offer. He’s racked up two goals, 12 assists and 105 penalty minutes in an injury-shortened, 16-game Gens campaign. He carded an assist in both the Medicine Hat and Ponoka games this past weekend.
“It’s hard to get back into the groove and back into my place in the lineup,” he continued. “Whatever happens, happens.”
Tisdale may get his chance at meatier minutes soon, as the Gens power play has wavered in January, a month in which Cochrane plays 10 games.
“We’ve been patient with the guys who have been on (the power play) and keeping them in their spots,” related Generals head coach Evan McFeeters. “We’re going to look at moving guys around and potentially plugging other guys in that role and seeing what they can do. Because I know there are guys who kill penalties who are hungry to score goals.”
Moving up the forward ranks is Tisdale’s goal.
“I guess everyone is,” he answered when asked if he’s seeking more minutes. “It wouldn’t hurt to get more ice time. I was on there when I joined the team. Stuff happens.”
Perhaps some of that “stuff” is a reward of more playing time for his effort in the trenches.
