RallyNorth.net

Gloucester midseason grade: A-

Thursday, January, 24 By Phil Stacey
Sports editor

First half analysis: Considering they've been without their top all-around player (Josh Salah), are playing with a first-year goalie (Bradley Robertson) and basically skate just two defensemen (Nick DeCoste and Paul Russo), it's been a remarkable first half. A nine-game winning streak and the emergence of Jeremy Fanning (26 points) as an elite scorer have been highlights.

Team MVP thus far: Jeremy Fanning, C (14-12-26). Seemingly has come out of nowhere to spark Fishermen offensively and give some much-needed punch to their second line.

Second half outlook: As great as the first half has been, the Fishermen need to shore some things up over the next month-and-a-half if they want a long tournament run. The return of Salah next month will absolutely help, but they need the most help on defense: Peabody exposed them by using their exceptional speed to attack the Fishermen in their own end. Someone needs to step up and take some of the pressure (and minutes) off of DeCoste or Russo; the answer may like in one of the team's forwards, such as steady Dylan Morrissey.