Features > Player Spotlight- #21 Neil Holder
Player Spotlight- #21 Neil Holder
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR- Neil Holder, a 5-8 145 lb. 17 year old forward from Fresno, CA, has eleven points in his first thirteen games with the Eugene Generals. Holder has been improving every time he steps on the ice, and is always a legitmate threat when he uses his speed. Holder talks about the jump to the Junior level, the season so far and his expectations for the team.
CB: You have seven points in your last five games. Do you feel like you’ve adjusted to the Junior hockey level?
NH: I feel like I’ve caught up to the speed of the game. I’ve adjusted for the most part, but I need to settle down a little more, take a little more time and make some smarter plays.
CB: Did you find it tough to adjust from minor hockey to Juniors?
NH: Somewhat. Everything needs to be done two steps quicker than in minor hockey. If you don’t do that then the play doesn’t happen.
CB: What has been the biggest surprise for you at this level?
NH: The amount of huge guys that want to fight me. Some of the players on some of the teams are just looking to fight, and not looking to play hockey. I came here to play hockey, and I think that’s what our team is about.
CB: Three of your seven goals have come on the powerplay, which is tied for first on the Generals. What do you attribute to your success on the powerplay?
NH: Staying strong in front of the net, and not letting guys push me out of there. I just stay at home, and bang in rebounds.
CB: What is one area where you would like to improve this season?
NH: My size. Not only physically, but also playing bigger on the ice.
CB: What do you think is your biggest strength?
NH: Probably my speed.
CB: You just traveled to the Ronald McDonald House in Portland, OR to do some cooking and cleaning. What was the experience like for you?
NH: It felt good helping people in need out.
CB: What has your experience with the Generals been like so far?
NH: Good. I’m definitely learning a lot so far.
CB: What are your expectations for the team this season?
NH: Making it to Nationals.
CB: You play the first place Seattle Totems this weekend, and it is arguably the biggest weekend of the young season. What do the Generals have to do to get two wins this weekend?
NH: Play smart, stick to the systems, don’t fall under the pressure and stay out of the box.