Article contentFitzgerald, a forward from Sydney, echoed his teammate’s thought. Article content“Playing against and with new guys,” Fitzgerald, coming off a week where he was named to the division’s Team of the Week, said. Article contentSEASON SO FAR Article contentIn his second full season as a Crusher, he played three games as a call-up in 2023-24, Fitzgerald talked about being happy with his start which has seen him record 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 14 games. Article content“I’ve just been doing my thing,” he said. “I worked hard in the summer, so it’s paying off now.” Article contentAnd while things are going well, like any player, Fitzgerald knows there are areas where he could be better. Article content“Definitely my shot and, maybe, improve my IQ for the game,” he said, noting two areas a lot of his players his age would point to. Article content From Sydney, Braylen Fitzgerald (middle) is pictured after scoring a goal versus the Truro Bearcats earlier this season. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentArticle contentAustin has earned a spot on Team of the Week on three occasions already. He has recorded 12 points in 12 games, with three goals and nine assists. Article contentArticle content“It’s going great,” he said. “I’m just playing to my strengths, and I hope to continue that through the season.” Article contentAs for areas of his game he would like to improve, Austin noted that, as an undersized ‘D’ in the league, improving speed and strength are keys. Article content“And my agility too,” he said, referencing the ability to escape from tight spaces on the ice and dogged checking. Article content“I can’t just get big like that,” he said with a chuckle. Article contentIn talking about the team’s performance, Austin said they feel they should be better than their one-game over .500 record. Article content“Our team record could be better, but we’re working on that, and I feel we’re getting better,” he said, noting that a key there is being more disciplined. Article content“We’re taking way too many penalties, so we’re working on that,” he said. “And the PK (penalty kill) is getting better, too. Then we just need our lines to click, and we’ll be a good team.” Article contentFitzgerald said he agrees with Austin’s assessments. Article content“And maybe get to know our systems a little better, too,” he said. “Like he said, once the lines start clicking more, we’ll be good.” Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Crushers in the thick of division race as Prospects Game arrives
