Green Birds Prepare For Big Season Ahead

Another veteran has been turning it on lately and the timing couldnt be better. Assistant Captain Osman Buttar notched his second game winner and another 2-point night to help the G-Men continue their undefeated streak and continue climbing the standings. An ankle injury weeks before the season began hampered Buttar's first few games, but he seems to have found a way to string together imporant points and provide some added scoring. Although he is still not fully healthy, his presence on the floor in important moments as well his voice and leadership on the bench and in the dressing room is vital for a long playoff run.pu

Halfway through the season and its time for the veteran forwards to step up, so its no doubt that after tonight's game, Sajjid Ayubi takes POG honours. Ayubi will be the first to admit he has been unable to put up the offensive numbers he would like, but its not due to a lack of effort. Ayubi comes every night to play hard and to play to win. He is a bruising forward that never takes a shift off and will do anything for the benefit of the team. Starting the year off as a center wasnt his personal choice, but he put the success of the team ahead of his own. Ayubi started the Greenbirds off great tonight with a hard slapshot goal from the blue line which seems to have become his staple. Any success in the post season and run for a title will definitely require Ayubi put a few more past opposing goalies and continue with his hard work ethic game in and game out.

Playing most of the first half of the season without a true third center and without the depth needed to make a deep run in the playoffs, the addition of forward and veteran Omar Sabri seems to be a delight even after his first game of the season. Sabri is a heads up player who can make people miss when he has the ball on his stick, but is a big body that can play the dump and chase game and grind it down low in the corners. Most importantly he is a big center that can put points on the scoresheet while also shutting down the opposition, an added dimension the Greenbirds have been looking for this season in order to solidfy and finalize their current squad.

Usually with age many players slow down, but like a fine wine, Captain Ijaz Chaudhry is simply getting better as he gets older. He continues to be the defensive anchor holding down the team's defensive corps, but also is chipping in offensively goals with timely plays and big goals. He is in the top three of team scoring and doesnt look to relinquish his big minutes any time soon. The most important aspect of Chaudhry's game isnt his defense or offense, but rather his control of the dressing room, his calm demeanor and his ability to get the most out of his team. When he actually decides to stop playing, the "General" will go down as a hall of famer, but at the moment, he definitely has his mind set on a second tier 2 championship and no thoughts of hanging up his shoes just yet.

Another night, another hat trick a different Bilal. Bilal Buttar put together a great offensive effort with four points (3 goals and 1 assist) in helping the team earn atleast a point. He should have had a fourth goal, but simply couldn’t find the empty net with seconds remaining. Buttar has gotten off to a great start and is helping the team create numerous chances in the offensive zone. He has always been an integral piece to a Championship Squad, but has battled injuries in past years. He seems hungry and focused as ever, and until some other veterans can find a way to crack the score sheet, Buttar will have to continue scoring goals and setting up his linemates, for the Greenbirds to stay competitive and better their current playoff positioning.

In a game where the 'Birds where able to snap their losing streak and get back into the win column, they really had to lean on their core forwards as well as have a strong performance in net, so it wasnt a surprise that with Ibad Khan's first outing of the season he produced a stellar effort in net notching a shutout. Khan was unable for the first three games of the season, but didnt show any rust as he didnt allow a single goal in his season debut, making at least three huge saves in preserving the win for his team.

Apart from the collapse, it seemed to be a coming out game offensively for forward Mohammad Bilal who put together a career night notching four points with a hat trick of goals along with an assist. Bilal has always been known for his offensive skill, hard forecheck and nose for the net. He has paid his dues of sorts and is getting more minutes to show what he has to offer. If BJ can continue with this offensive production it can only help the Greenbirds climb the standing and solidify playoff seeding.

Assistant captain Ahmed Chaudhry has been with the Greenbirds' franchise from the very beginning and brings a wealth of experience, an extremely hard slapshot and tons of optimism to help this team succeed. Although age is creeping up on him, he always seems to be a rock on defence and continues to be leaned on to provide help with some of the offensive responsibilities. It was his second straight game with an assist, while he continues to play with confidence and grit.

On a night when goal scoring was at a premium, it was important to have a solid defense and great goaltending. Raza Zaidi made some impressive saves versus the Titans and kept the score within reach at times, giving the Greenbirds a chance at either tying or winning the game outright. Zaidi is a big body that takes up a lot of space between the pipes. He has lots of experience playing the game and is an up and coming talent at the higher tiers.

On a night where it was the season opener versus a heated rival, Mohammed Bilal played his typical game of speed, skill and physicality. "BJ" as he is better known by his GB teammates, gave fits to the ML defence all night, played with some great energy and setup two key goals in the victory. He is years removed from being a new rookie on the team, and now is looked upon to continue to make plays throughout the season and use his great combination of skill and brawn to continue to give opposition defenses fits along the boards, down low and in front of the net.