October 16, 2022 – American Hockey League (AHL) – Henderson Silver Knights Press Release
After a long offseason, defenseman Brayden Pachal is just as eager as the fans to be back in action. Entering his second season wearing the “C” for the Silver Knights, he hopes to lead the team on and off the ice to a successful season.
Pachal, who was named captain at just 22, is one of the youngest captains in the AHL. But despite his age, he already has significant experience in the role. Pachal led the team to a Calder Cup playoff berth in 2021-22, and he hopes to build on that this season.
“I think it’s obviously very exciting [to be chosen as captain]. As it’s my second year, I feel there’s a bit more comfort,” he said.
Pachal also feels he benefits as captain from having a strong team culture, supported at all levels of the organization. The strong leadership present within the Silver Knights team as a whole is key to their future success.
“I think this year we had a lot of support in the room. Obviously [defenseman Jake] With Bischoff back from injury, he’s a great leader, and we brought in Byron Froese who was Stockton’s captain. There are plenty of guys who could wear this letter. So, just like last year, it’s a huge honour.”
“I think we’re going to be a better team all year. Hopefully we’ll see that with a bit better results this year. That’s why I think it’s really exciting to come to the rink every day. days.”
What gives the team an edge over last season? The Knights not only benefit from young prospects playing their first full season with the Silver Knights and strong veteran additions, but also strong coaching and new systems from Bruce Cassidy’s staff at the NHL level.
These improvements are goals the front office has balanced throughout this year’s offseason, and Pachal is already seeing the positive impact Cassidy’s coaching has had on the organization.
“I think starting with VGK – obviously with the new coaches and stuff, it sort of filters all of Bruce’s systems. So it’s just kind of learning these new systems, the same as we did last week at NAC, we’re doing here Same type of exercises, and with this fast pace, everyone is trying different line combinations and getting used to the new systems.
Head coach Manny Viveiros noted that Cassidy’s systems and style of hockey suit Pachal’s game well into training camp. They hope to be a team where all five players on the ice attack the opposing net while maintaining a strong defensive presence.
It’s already paid off for Pachal, who finished Saturday’s game against the Roadrunners with one goal and a plus-2 differential. His goal, a high-speed shot from the point, both extended the team’s lead and changed the game’s momentum. Scored just seconds after Tucson missed one, it was the first of three unanswered goals to secure a victory for the Silver Knights.
Pachal’s leadership and sense of new systems will only help him further as he strives to achieve another individual goal this year – returning to the NHL.
“I want to keep improving. Obviously the Golden Knights are really good, so you really want to push yourself to be on this team and make a good impression to hopefully get called up at some point in the game. season.”
Heading into opening day, Pachal stuck to his proven prep methods to prepare for the season.
“I think the big thing about camp is just getting back to that hockey routine; not playing hockey for a while, you just have to mentally prepare yourself every day to get through those busy times of camp.”
“It’s really tiring mentally, you have to rest. Make sure you take care of your body.”
This routine also continues throughout the season, whether at camp or at the game.
“It’s just that kind of routine. I’m doing stretches and stuff the night before. Make sure I’m prepping my body so I can play my best. Then on the day itself, it’s just relaxing, trying to keep your mind out of the game for me personally. And then as soon as I get to the rink, it’s business from there.
But even approaching game day from a business perspective doesn’t change Pachal’s enthusiasm to perform in front of Silver Knights fans. Home ice advantage is crucial in extended series against a team, and the atmosphere the fans provide is an important part of that.
” It’s incredible. Those last games towards the end of last year when we were playing there, we were playing our best hockey. I think it has a lot to do with us feeding off the fans and the building,” Pachal said.
“It’s super exciting. Any time a road team comes out there, it’s a tough building to play.”
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