Luke “The Force” Schenn: Toronto Maple Leafs Phenom Defenseman Displays His Toughness!

luke-schenn-skywalker1

Leaf Revolution by Christopher Ralph, THW’s Toronto Maple Leaf’s correspondent.

March 28th, 2009: Leafs Vs Bruins -- Steve Montador Vs Luke Schenn {photo right courtesy of Mike Boon via Flickr}

He’s been tagged with nicknames such as “The Force” and “The Human Eraser” for his outstanding physical and tough play in a league not often kind to teenage defenseman. He is on the few exceptions to the rule, however, and has consistently impressed with his stalwart defensive play this season. The physical rigors of the NHL, especially for a kid defenseman, are likely the biggest obstacle a defensive prospect faces. Determined to beat the odds, Schenn has fought through and his play in front of his own crease and along the boards has been impressive, to say the least.

In this scrap, it looks as though the veteran Montador has Schenn tied up on the boards, unable to get any offense going in this tilt. Schenn, however, breaks free and wreaks some havoc on Mr. Montador at the end of the fight, eventually getting the T.K.O. as the final couple of blows knock him to the ice.

At the end of the fight, you can see Burke attentively “spying” on things through a set of binoculars!

Christopher Ralph, aka "The Hockey Spy", is a freelance hockey writer from Calgary via Newfoundland. His own blog at The Hockey Spy covers hockey in general with a focus on prospects and the NHL Entry Draft. He also covers the Chicago Blackhawks Paint It Blackhawks. Click here for more of his THW articles, focusing on the Calgary Flames, prospects and the draft. "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." - Wayne Gretzky