There’s something to be said for a player who will go to war for his squad, prepared to stand tall against any fierce opponent no matter the size.
He’s the team enforcer, patrolling the ice in order to keep the other team from attacking his own team’s stars, giving his team a spark when its play on the ice is a little flat.
The job description fits Adam Huxley, the popular first-year Thunder left wing.
It’s not just the fact that Huxley fights; it’s the aggressive manner in which he carries out his punches. Standing less than six-feet tall, his fighting style is more science then sheer brute, and more methodical than haphazard.
Simply put, he just doesn’t drop the gloves and wail away.
“I look for how I can position myself in a fight and get the best grip to tie up his assets,” said Huxley. “There’s adrenaline going so you have to do your best to try to tame that.”
He’s taken on fighters of all shapes and sizes this season. In a 4-3 shootout win against Long Beach at the Stockton Arena home opener on October 28, Huxley went toe-to-toe with the Ice Dogs’ Eric Neilson.
Huxley’s counterpart was no pushover. The burly Neilson cut his teeth as an enforcer while playing junior hockey, serving as the protector for future NHL All-Star, Sidney Crosby.
During the first period, Huxley and Neilson met. Despite being the lighter of the two, Huxley connected on a series of punches, jolting the packed crowd into a loud roar. Finally, Huxley put on the finishing touches with one last punch that sent a dizzying Neilson to the ground – right on his behind.
The one-sided ending sparked what would become a cult-like following amongst the Thunder faithful, who now bring signs to games such as: “Hit ‘Em Huxley,” and “Respect My Authoritah” – along with a picture of South Park cartoon character “Cartman” in Huxley’s #12 Thunder jersey.
It’s all in adoration for a player whose body might be undersized, but whose punches certainly are not.
“I have a reputation, not as a heavyweight but more as a ‘cruiserweight,’” Huxley admits. “To play well in this league I have to work hard, get under the other team’s skin and be a hard-nosed player.”
His style of play fits the new breed of fighters in hockey. Simply stated, enforcers must be more than fighters. They are counted on to be able to skate well, and take normal shifts. Hockey coaches and other experts freely admit that the new rules in hockey favor quicker, sleeker and more skilled players, enforcers must come in a new breed.
They’re counted on for their contributions offensively and defensively, as much as their fists.
“Adam brings everything he’s got every game,” said Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki. “I’ve gained confidence in his play as the season has rolled along – he’s a guy who can do the right thing, such as simply getting pucks in (the offensive zone) and getting pucks out (of the defensive zone).”
The success the Thunder has found this season, and his role in that is a new experience for Huxley. In his first two seasons in the ECHL, Huxley was with the Las Vegas Wranglers and Victoria Salmon Kings. Both teams missed the playoffs.
Now, he is surrounded by a different cast that has bolstered the Thunder into the thick of the National Conference playoff race, sitting in sixth place as the top eight teams vie for the postseason.
“With the guys coming in recently and the guys we have had here all season, it’s nice to be able to play for the postseason instead of looking at our schedule and knowing that we’re done with hockey on April 8,” said Huxley. “The playoffs are what I play for, so this season is definitely a breath of fresh air.”
When the playoffs start, a time when there are less fights and a premium is placed on physical checks and smart defensive play, Huxley’s ability to produce in all aspects of the game will keep the enforcer in lineup.
For now, Huxley will continue to play physical hockey, and be prepared to drop the gloves again, whether it calls for a scrap against the opposing team’s cruiserweight or all-world heavyweight.
“If it’s a (heavyweight) player like (Idaho Steelheads forward) Jeremy Yablonski or (Victoria Salmon Kings forward) Robin Gomez, I try to prepare mentally a day or two in advance to be ready,” said Huxley.
Quite scary considering a player like Yablonski is a former “golden gloves” boxing champion. Yet, Huxley admits he still prepares for the job accordingly.
Just like his methodical fighting style.
“Sometimes it isn’t the greatest feeling to fight a guy like that, but you want to be prepared.”
