Growing by leaps and bounds
The emergence of Spokane Chiefs winger Jeff Lynch has been a steady work in progress since he broke into the Western Hockey League in 2001.
However, this season has brought light-years’ progress for the 19-year-old assistant captain. In his preseason analysis of the team, coach Al Conroy had hopes Lynch could step things up.
After all, Lynch was somewhat of a known quantity. He was beginning his third year with the team and following in the footsteps of older brothers Doug and Scott as a Chiefs veteran. Still, a lot was being asked of Jeff this season – and he’s delivered on it all.
“He’s taken a huge step,” said Conroy after practice on Tuesday. “I think Jeff and (I) were wondering over the summer just what his role was going to be on the team this year. And, from the first day of camp, the first practice, Jeff established himself as a leader on the team and one of the hardest working guys.”
Conroy said he has seen that work ethic in Lynch since taking over as coach three years ago. However, he now notices that it is a daily habit for Lynch.
“Jeff literally has not stopped. He hasn’t taken a day off since the beginning of the year. He’s been fantastic,” said Conroy.
The result is that Lynch, a 6-foot, 185-pounder from Coquitlam, British Columbia, has been a solid two-way player, a standout on specialty teams, and a valuable first-line contributor. He is the team’s third-leading scorer and has reached double-digits in goals for the first time in his WHL career this season (16 goals, 19 assists through 56 games).
Lynch’s primary goal at the beginning of the season was to improve his defensive play, which he’s done. His offensive numbers have improved after he was paired with fellow 19-year-old assistant captain Chad Klassen (the team’s leading scorer) and leading rookie scorer Derek Ryan early in the season.
“We’ve been here since we were 16 together, but we’ve never played on the same line,” Lynch said of Klassen. “We’ve been doing real well. … We get along great off the ice. So, definitely that carries on to on-ice chemistry.”
Lynch is a gifted playmaker; one who has set up many beautiful goals this season, often after having absorbed a big hit in the corner while chasing a loose puck. His improved speed this season has allowed him to get to more pucks. His toughness has been an ongoing trait.
“I don’t mind digging in the corners and putting the puck out to my linemates,” said Lynch. “It’s the same satisfaction with that as scoring goals. Any way I can help my linemates out and score goals – that’s awesome. … Bumps and bruises happen in a game. I’m prepared for that – and I take lots of them – it’s part of the game. I need to be strong in front of the net. I need to be physical and battle and help our team win.”
He’s also helped his team win by helping to fill the leadership void left by the season-ending injury of Scott, who was also an assistant captain. Conroy said he has taken up his brother’s slack and then some. Lynch sees it as just another aspect of teamwork.
“It’s definitely a privilege and honor and I’m proud to be an assistant captain. I’m happy to lead this team,” said Lynch. “We all have our own unique style and all of us combined have a great leadership core. So, every different aspect we each bring has been a good aspect we have.
“I think I like to talk more, get the guys going and make sure everybody’s playing. I’m not afraid to speak up and tell them if they made a bad play or bad pass; make sure they get going and also make sure I’m accountable for myself. If I’m not going, I want them to be able to tell me, ‘Hey, get going,’ and I’ll accept that.”
He’s also known for his optimism. Win or lose after a game, Lynch is always ready to talk, addressing the bad and looking for the good.
“I definitely try to stay even keel. I don’t like to get too high or too low,” said Lynch. “I know I just like to live my life – and hockey as well, my whole life – on an even keel. You can’t get too excited about things and you can’t get too down about yourself. There’s always another day.”