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Montreal Canadiens: Josh Brook seeing time at right wing

By Omar L

BROSSARD, QC - JULY 03: Look on Montreal Canadiens Rookie defenseman Josh Brook (45) skating during the Montreal Canadiens Development Camp on July 3, 2017, at Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BROSSARD, QC - JULY 03: Look on Montreal Canadiens Rookie defenseman Josh Brook (45) skating during the Montreal Canadiens Development Camp on July 3, 2017, at Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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With the Moose Jaw Warriors facing adversity in their second-round series, Montreal Canadiens prospect Josh Brook switched positions seeing time at forward.

Regardless of what level you’re at, adversity is a something every player has to go through in the playoffs. Montreal Canadiens prospect Josh Brook and his Moose Jaw Warriors have seen a fair amount of it in their series against the Swift Current Broncos. The Warriors found themselves one loss away from elimination after the Broncos went into Game Six tied 2-2 in the series.

To make things worse, top player Tanner Jeannot was out forcing Moose Jaw to dress eight defencemen. Head coach Tim Hunter had to get a little creative including having Brook and Kale Clague moving to the wing on the top line. The 18-year-old finished the game a -1 and had three shots on net, but unfortunately, the Warriors walked out of the arena with a 2-0 and risk of elimination in Game Six.

Saturday was a must win, and although Jeannot returned to the lineup, Brook remained at right wing. Moose Jaw came to play fighting for their playoff lives, and it took triple overtime to get the deciding goal. It’s do-or-die on Monday for both the Warriors and the Broncos.

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As weird as it may appear, players changing positions during the playoffs, especially in junior, happens more often than you think. What’s interesting is that Hunter went back to it in a crucial game for his team. It makes sense though, out of the three positions on the ice, the wing is the easiest in terms of responsibility.

Seeing as how Brook excels as an all-around defenceman, his skating, awareness, and defensive responsibility would make him the ideal option on the wall for any team. Additionally, he continued to use his shot to generate chances for his teammates.

Swift Current is doing a good job in shutting down some of the top lines, however, which is impacting how much Brook and co can do. He is doing well in staying with some of the forwards and shutting them down which was probably something Hunter believed he could do effectively.

Next: Trade Rumour: Brodie for Pacioretty?

Does Brook at right wing continue for the rest of the playoffs? Most likely not, but it’s an interesting thing to track.

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