IN YEAR THREE, GOODROW HITTING HIS STRIDE
Mar 10, 2017Third-year pro Barclay Goodrow is just 24-years-old, yet he is a wily old vet in a locker room filled with 11 first-year American Hockey Leaguers.
In Goodrow’s rookie campaign in 2014-15 the 6-foot-2, 216-pound forward played in 57 games for the San Jose Sharks after being signed as a free agent out of junior.
Over the last two seasons, Goodrow has spent a majority of his time in the American Hockey League developing all facets of his game. His development has paid off, and the Barracuda are reaping the benefits of having a go-to power forward
In 47 games played for San Jose (AHL) this season, Goodrow leads the team with 18 goals and has the only hat trick. But aside from his offensive production, it has been Goodrow’s consistency in all three zones that has been his greatest asset for San Jose.
“I think he’s been our most dominant forward consistently throughout the year,” said Barracuda Head Coach Roy Sommer. “I don’t know what he did over the summer, but I’ve never seen him skate so well.”
“He’s the best net front guy that we have on our team,” Sommer continued. “The biggest thing he needed to work on was his physical play and playing inside on a consistent basis, and he’s done all those things for us this year.”
Not known as a vocal leader, Goodrow has led by example this season. And has continuously picked up the offensive slack when players are out of the lineup.
“We’ve gone the whole season with guys in and out of the lineup, with call-ups and stuff like that, but as a team, we’ve been able to replace that production. I’ve just tried to play my game while playing within the system and it has seemed to pay off,” said Goodrow. “We’ve got a bunch of first year guys on the team, and it’s their first time going about pro hockey, I’ve tried to look to lend a helping hand because I feel like I’ve seen a bunch of stuff and I can help.”
Goodrow’s strong play in the AHL has not gone unnoticed by the big club. The Toronto native has appeared in a pair of games for the San Jose Sharks and has been recalled as a reserve numerous times throughout the season.
“He’s become a consistent, mature player for us. A player that we can trust and can call up at any moment and put in NHL situations,” said Barracuda General Manager Joe Will. “He’s a player that can do a lot for you, he can produce, he can be defensively aware, and he has a bunch of tools.”
As San Jose charges toward the Calder Cup Playoffs and a hopeful championship run, Goodrow will be relied on heavily in that pursuit just as he has all season long.