Features > Player Spotlight- #21 Neil Holder
Player Spotlight- #21 Neil Holder
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR-
Chris Bilder: This is your third season with the Generals. Compare the pre-season feeling of this team to the teams of the past two seasons.
Neil Holder: I think the last two year pre-season wasn’t as long, or at least didn’t seem as long. With this year, I feel like we’re getting up to speed a little smoother and a little bit quicker than the last two years.
CB: Being a third year player, what kind of leadership role have you taken on for the team?
NH: I feel like I’ve taken a pretty big leadership role. I feel that I’m one of the guys that the players can come talk to about the systems or how things work and get the right answer. I feel like I’ve given some good advice to the players on how to survive and thrive in this league.
CB: What are your goals for the team this season?
NH: Definitely finishing strong at the end of the season and into playoffs. We want to get out of the first round, and go to Nationals. Being my last season, I want to go to Nationals with the Generals rather than any other team.
CB: What are your personal goals this season?
NH: Be a strong leader for my team, and be a go-to guy who can get it done in the clutch situations.
CB: You had a little drop of in point production last season, what would you attribute that to, and do you think your point production will improve this season?
NH: I had more of a defensive role last season because we had a lot of big offensive guys. My point production should improve dramatically because my role as a forward has changed this season.
CB: What do you think is the best part of your game?
NH: Probably my sense for the game, and my ability to read and react in the proper way in all situations.
CB: What is one area that you would really like to improve?
NH: I’d like to improve on my finishing ability. I want to get more of a shoot first, pass second attitude.
CB: What is your favorite memory with the Generals?
NH: The past two seasons we’ve had really good guys and really good teams, and there’s too many good memories to make just one my favorite.
CB: What are you most looking forward to this weekend?
NH: Finally getting to play a game.
CB: What does the team need to do to win on Opening Night?
NH: We need to play disciplined hockey and stick to our systems.