Granato: Caufield's understanding of the game is of the caliber of the NHL

Badgers head coach and former NHL player Tony Granato is looking forward to seeing Caufield and teammate Alex Turcotte play their first game with UW in the city where their biggest dream has come true.

"They'll have the chance to start the season in the same place where they had one of their best days as a player a few months ago … it's really exciting for them to start their university career in Vancouver" Granato, a 773-year veteran of the NHL, shared with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

As the Badgers have practiced on several occasions during the month, Granato has already had a chance to see the 15th overall pick in 2019 and he believes he will live up to his reputation.

"When he has the puck on his paddle around the net, the disc is usually at the bottom of the net. His ability to score goals, his ability to stand out in the pay zones, all this is already elite level. I already knew his level of combativeness before I even started training, just watching him play in recent years with the American team and on the international stage, "said Granato, who was particularly impressed by the ethics of Caufield's work. "He did not become so good by being only a perimeter player. The youngster is a true competitor and a worker. He wants to be the first to do the exercises and he always wants to do more. It's a pleasure to meet him. "

Fans who will be able to go to the UBC-UW games will have the chance to see a lot of Caufield, according to Granato.

"He will play a lot. He will have the opportunity to play several minutes. He will probably start on a line with Turcotte and (Linus) Weissbach. At one point (Dylan) Holloway will be on the ice with him, "explained Granato, the winner of the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1997." Cole is going to have a great opportunity to show off all his talent. We come to Vancouver for many reasons, including building team chemistry. But there are two games and we want to play well. We will be giving our first-year students plenty of ice time to introduce them to university hockey. "

From what Granato has seen, he does not miss much in Caufield to be ready for the NHL. It only remains for him to prepare physically for the rigors of a professional calendar.

"Personally, I think his understanding of the game is already of the caliber of the NHL. It's physically demanding to play 82 games. He will have to learn how to manage his energy well during a full season to keep evolving. He will not be able to beat NHL defensemen night after night for 82 games, and he can not throw the puck in the bottom and fight for 20 minutes per game, "said Granato of Caufield. who played 64 games last season with the US National Development Program (USNTDP), amassing 72 goals and 100 points. "So, he will be ready for the next level and I think that reaching his physical maturity and managing the busy schedule will be the most important thing for him. "

The Badgers and Thunderbirds will compete at the University of British Columbia Father Bauer Arena this Friday, August 30 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, September 1 at 1:00 pm. Tickets are available at the entrance for a donation of $ 5 each.