Back to Skoula/ Defenseman's NHL education right on schedule

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Sep 16, 2000 | by Thomas Harding

DENVER - One of the biggest shots in the Colorado Avalanche's 5- 3 exhibition victory over Dallas on Thursday night was one defenseman Martin Skoula would not have taken last season as a rookie.

That's because he probably wouldn't have been on the ice in the first place.

Trusted with a spot on the Avs' power play, Skoula found an open spot inside the blueline and blasted the puck past Stars goalie Marty Turco for Colorado's first goal.

It's easy to pass off dazzling plays this time of year as meaningless. But in Skoula's case, the shot was a signal that he's ready to move from doing his job right to doing it well, from vanilla to Neapolitan, from surprisingly productive rookie to vital part of a Stanley Cup contender.

"I think with the season Skoula gave us last year, it's normal for us to add to his responsibilities," said Avs coach Bob Hartley, whose team continues its exhibition schedule tonight against Los Angeles at the Pepsi Center. "We feel that putting him on the power play will add to his confidence in handling the puck.

"This is a young man with all the skills."

It was Skoula's offense that made him a first-round pick in 1998 - he finished with 113 points in two seasons with Barrie of the Ontario junior league - but his steady play in the defensive zone kept him in the NHL last season.

Skoula, a Czech Republic native who will turn 21 on Oct.28, finished with three goals and 16 assists.

With Ray Bourque and Adam Foote injured at times in the playoffs, Skoula appeared in 17 games - extensively in many of them - and had two assists and 4 penalty minutes.

"In the playoffs, I was excited to get a little more ice time," Skoula said. "Now I know what to expect compared to last year."

The Avs expect to pair Skoula with Aaron Miller, who brings the experience of 254 NHL games. Miller said Skoula is a good student.

"I try to talk to him as much as I can, to make sure he's looking for the simple play in his own end," Miller said. "Then when he gets in the offensive zone, he can be more creative.

"With the skills he has right now, he's going to get better and better every year."

NOTES: The Avs announced that single-game tickets will go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. today at the Pepsi Center Box Office and all TicketMaster locations, including Foley's. Fans can also order tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com or by using the TicketMaster link on www.coloradoavalanche.com, or by phone at (303) 830-8497 or 520-9090.

- Thomas Harding may be reached at tharding@gazette.com