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l_# .10 ShDNIlIK' Beacon Tucs..April 21. 2009 , ,, - Local News l I ‘ MacLean looks back on stellar AHL rookie season Bi .lrsst Giuss The San Antonio Rampagc's scason has come to an end. one \\'llh ii Brett MacLean's ma artisan tin- \mericnn Hockey League, \\ hile constantly naming more and more 4:.tt‘h time he lD‘JCltL‘d the its. the Port lzlgin Above. Miles and Brett MacLean used thermistor-responder technique while training Friday Cassidy wins tastes native son] he enjoyed every second of his time with the Rampage this season. “My first year of pro hockey was very exciting I enjoyed it a lot and I learned a lot of things from the older guys on the team." the sownâ€"aid said. "You only get one rookie year so I think you have to enjoy it and soak it in and have fun with it which is what I tried to do" MacLean didn‘t let the pressure get to him as he finished fifth in total points for the Rampage. with 40 in 74 games. and also finished second in goals with Zl;just one shy of the team leader Jeff Hoggan's 22. race on the planet Port Elgin's losh Cassin stormed to his second major UK road race vic- tDrV on Friday or the 10th annual Tyne tunnel 2K International. in the fastest wheelchair race on the planet, Cassidy hit in excess of 46mph on downhill sec- tion of the road tunnel under the river Tyne in North East England and com~ pleted the grueling climb out of the Zkiii course in an astonishing 4.04.3, 17 seconds outside the course record. He finished ahead at last year's winner. double Boning gold medalist, Davtd Weir of Great Britain who completed the course in 4.13.3. South African Ernst van Dyk. the 2007 Tunnel 2K winner, took third place with a time ol 4.23.0. The Tunnel 2K gold medal triumph Follows Cassidy's win in the prestigious Virgin London Marathon in April this year. Speaking alter the race Cassidy said “This year had the toughest compe- tition in years, and so it was great to Come Uth on top twas pleased to have Ecle‘at win. and also setting a personal est. “Cassidy won Tunnel 2K in 2008 in Berlin Marathon on Saturday. the absence of fellow titans Weir and van Dyk so he wasn't hot favorite to win." said race promoter, David Burdus. "However, his incredible uphill perfor- mance and power across the finish line has silenced his. critics. [ash is much loved here in the UK and is a deserving wmner.’ Cassidy, an accomplished illustra- tor and artist, was commissioned by hurdtts to create a stunning new graph» to image of the River God Tyne blowing wheelchair racers through the Tunnel to commemorate the toth anniversary at the race. Prints were handed to the race sponsors and winners with their prizes. Cassidy also took part in the UK Great North Run half marathon against a strong international field on Sunday Sept 18, placing second, just six secâ€" onds behind Dav-id Weir who finished in 4449.1. Spain‘s Raphael Botcllo Jimenez Finished in third in 4723.0, Cassidy continues to stamp his authority oti the world road racing cir- cuit and can be next seen teamed up i wtth sponsor. Simon Storage, in the i l "I was very pleased With my stats for the year," he said. "Scoring 20 goals in this league is a tough thing to do, especially at 20 years old so I am very happy with how I did and also proud of my accomplishments. I think going into the year 20 was my goal and I am happy I achieved that." On a team with a los» ing record. the Rampage finished in eighth with 73 points (two points shy of the Iowa Chops for seventh). MacLean‘s hard work paid off as he finished with a pluSAfivo rating. It: was otic of only five regular players with a plus rating. "I teamed how to play the pro game and a more complete game this year." he said "l worked on my defence and the little areas of [I]: game that didn't matter as much in junior and that this is a JUb and you have to compete every. day because there is someone out there. trying to take your spot " I n M a r c h r MacLean made his only appear- ance in Canada during a road trip that saw San Antonio play the Toronto Marlies and the Hamilton Brett MacLean Bulldogs. "It was awesome to play in Toronto and Hamilton and have some friends and famâ€" ily be able to come watch me play," he said. "It‘s much eas- ier to get excited for (games close to home) and it was a lot of fun," He did not disappoint his fans as he scored three goals (one being a gamc»winner) and added an assist during the two games "It was a great feeling to score With them watching." he Said. "I think those two games were some of my best games of the year so it was nice to do mat mm friends and fam- ily there " While this season is complete, and MacLeanle have a few weeks off to relax. he said his off-season will consist of hard work to stay in shape so he can continue to improve with the Rampage, "I think I need to continue to get bigger and stronger to help me against the older guys and be able to win battles for pucks,” he said. "and also work on my skating and continue to got quicker which will hclp mt: have a better chance at getting to the NHL." While a number of players from the Rampage had a chance to play with the Coyotes in the 2008-09 season, MacLean is hoping he Will get his shot next season, "It would be awesome to get a chance to be called up," he said, "Right now I know] have set myself up pretty good for next year, hot I have to continue to work on my game and prove to them I deserve to be there" "I‘m still young and I know I will get my chance at some point, but for now Ijust have to be patient. work hard everyday. and when I get my chance I have to make the most of my opportunity," Tuesday,saptember21,2010 - Shoreline Beacon‘ hair ~Cassidy won gold as he cru‘se'l the 'n' line ottlie Tyne Tunnel 2K Ra ‘ VI IS“ A