roadhockey.net

Lak languishes, but gets last laugh

Lak Attack's early-season struggles continued Sunday. In last week's season opener, he was unable to reverse his side's late-game collapse, despite being paired with super sniper, the Kid; but this week his powerhouse linemates were able to overcome the lament of their leader to romp to a 20-9 win.

Playing on a dreamteam lineup that included Kid and Elvis, and backstopped by the solid goaltending of a hungover Gump, Lak Attack wheeled and dealed, but his contribution to his side's dominating victory was limited to one goal.

"I know my game has been behind," says Lak Attack, bristling at suggestions that he may be entering the twilight of his superstardom.

But other roadsters have noticed the shifty speedster's fleet footwork seems to have faltered after he gained some off-season girth.

"The Lak of today has got about half the speed, half the skills and about twice the weight," says Wendel, who's returned to the game after almost a two-season hiatus to pursue educational opportunities.

"He wasn't the dominant force I saw when I first started," says Beetle Boy.

"Father Time is marching on," says Paul One, who should know, as one of the league's oldest players. "He's not hanging onto the ball as much as he used to in his prime."

Lak Attack admits he was softened by a slothful summer.

"It's a conditioning stint that I have to work on. It's gonna be a long haul, and it's gonna be another four months until I get back on form."

Meanwhile, defenders are taking advantage. They've overcome their awe for the fearsome forward, forcing the check with renewed vigor.

"He relies on you trying to commit to him, so he can make a groove and use his speed to get around you," says Beetle Boy. "You just have to try to contain him. You kinda gotta stay back a little, keep a couple of feet between you."

"He forces two defenders to come after him, and he'll either score himself or create opportunities for other people," says Paul One. "In some respects, you've just got to play smarter."

"You've gotta play smarter, not harder," says Wendel, about getting on an even keel with his rival. "A guy's gotta get from point A to point B, and you've gotta think about the smartest way to play the game. The young kids can run up and down the court all day, and you can't keep up with them."

Lak Attack says he hears the whispers and he feels the sticks chopping at his ankles. But he's determined to regain his place as the game's premier forward. "You always have something to prove."

And opposing defenders know their days of domination will dwindle as the season progresses.

"We've heard a couple of people trash-talking him out there, and I'm sure they're going to have to answer for it later in the season," says Paul One.

"We should all struggle so much," says Beetle Boy. "His game is coming around. Every game he's getting better. He's still got the hands and the speed."

"He's still eight times the player I am," says Wendel. "He's still got lots out there, he's still one of the elite players in the league."

Posted by jaysuburb at October 26, 2003 04:35 PM