Moves Down The Middle

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Derek Stepan. ... This season, Stepan registered 12 goals and 42 assists for 54 points, along with eight penalty minutes in 41 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). ... The 6-0, 190-pounder skated in 81 career NCAA games over two seasons with Wisconsin, recording 21 goals and 66 assists for 87 points, along with 14 penalty minutes. ... The Hastings, Minnesota native was originally the Rangers second round choice, 51st overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. His father, Brad, was also drafted by the Blueshirts as a fifth round choice, 91st overall, in 1985.

Happy to get the kid in the fold but it is hard to see him at center ice in the Garden this year. The jump from college to the NHL has to run through the Canadian juniors or the AHL to be successful.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with center Erik Christensen on a new contract. ... Christensen, 26, skated in 49 games with the Rangers this season, registering eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points, along with 24 penalty minutes and a plus-14 rating.

Christy showed good chemistry with Gabby right off the bat, and then again once Torts got his head out of his rear end and reunited them during the run at the end of the season. He is a cheap skill center that fits under the cap and still has room to improve at his age. At the least, when his two year deal is up, Stepan will be ready to step in and take his job.

 Moves Down The Middle: The Art of Playing Center in Sports

In the world of sports, the role of a center is often pivotal. Whether it's in basketball, football, or hockey, the center is a linchpin position that demands a unique skill set and a deep understanding of the game. In this article, we will explore the role of the center in various sports, examine the key attributes that make a successful center, and answer frequently asked questions about this vital position.

The Role of the Center

Centers play a central role (no pun intended) in their respective sports, but the specifics of their roles can vary widely depending on the game. Here's how the role of the center manifests in some major sports:

1. Basketball:

In basketball, the center is typically one of the tallest players on the team and plays a crucial role in both offense and defense. Their responsibilities include:

Rebounding: Centers are primary rebounders, tasked with grabbing missed shots from both their team and the opposing team. Offensive rebounds can lead to second-chance points, while defensive rebounds help limit the opponent's scoring opportunities.

Scoring: Centers often contribute to scoring through close-range shots, layups, and dunks. They are also valuable for setting screens to free up their teammates.

Defense: Defensively, centers protect the rim, block shots, and deter opponents from driving to the basket. They are essential shot-blockers and rim protectors.

Passing: While not typically the primary playmaker, centers in modern basketball are expected to possess passing skills and facilitate ball movement from the low post.

2. Football:

In American football, the center is a critical position on the offensive line. Their primary duties include:

Snap the Ball: The center initiates each play by snapping the football to the quarterback, making them the player who touches the ball on every offensive play.

Blocking: Centers are responsible for blocking defensive linemen and linebackers to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for ball carriers.

Line Calls: They make pre-snap line calls and adjustments, directing the offensive line to recognize and respond to defensive alignments.

Communication: Centers often serve as a communication hub, relaying information and instructions to their teammates along the offensive line.

3. Hockey:

In ice hockey, the center is a versatile position, involved in various aspects of the game:

Faceoffs: Centers take faceoffs at the start of each play, aiming to win possession of the puck for their team. Winning faceoffs is a crucial skill.

Offense: Centers are responsible for generating scoring opportunities. They set up plays, pass the puck, and often take shots on goal.

Defense: Defensively, centers help protect their own zone, backcheck to disrupt opponents' attacks, and are key contributors to penalty killing units.

Transition Play: Centers play a pivotal role in transitioning from defense to offense, carrying the puck through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone.

Attributes of a Successful Center

While the specific attributes required for success as a center can vary depending on the sport, some common characteristics and skills include:

Physical Presence: Centers are often larger and more physically imposing than other players. In basketball and hockey, height is an advantage, while in football, strength and leverage are crucial.

Agility: Agility and quickness are vital for centers to move effectively on the court, field, or ice.

Mental Acumen: Centers must have a deep understanding of their sport, including game strategies, opponent tendencies, and play-calling.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Precise hand-eye coordination is essential for catching snaps, making accurate passes, and shooting or rebounding the ball or puck.

Communication: Centers need strong communication skills to relay information, make calls, and coordinate with teammates.

Leadership: Many centers serve as leaders on their teams, directing their teammates and setting an example with their work ethic and intensity.

FAQs:

1. Are centers always the tallest players on the team?

In basketball and ice hockey, centers are typically among the tallest players, but exceptions exist. In football, height varies among offensive linemen, with centers often being similar in height to other linemen.

2. Can centers also score goals or points in their respective sports?

Yes, centers can contribute to scoring in their sports. In basketball, they often score points through close-range shots and dunks. In football, centers don't score points directly, but their blocking helps create scoring opportunities. In hockey, centers frequently score goals and provide assists.

3. Do centers in different sports have to be versatile players?

Yes, versatility is often a valuable trait for centers. They are expected to contribute both offensively and defensively, making them well-rounded players.

4. Do centers have specific training or drills tailored to their positions?

Yes, centers often undergo position-specific training and drills to develop their skills and attributes. These may include shooting drills, blocking techniques, and faceoff practice, depending on the sport.

5. Can centers switch positions during a game or throughout their careers?

While it's less common, players, including centers, can switch positions if their skills and attributes align with the new position's demands. Such transitions may require adaptation and additional training.

Centers are essential figures in the world of sports, playing pivotal roles in their respective games. Whether they're controlling the paint in basketball, snapping the football in football, or orchestrating plays in hockey, centers are the linchpins that keep the game moving. Their unique skill sets and attributes make them indispensable assets to their teams, and their contributions often go beyond the statistics, shaping the course of games and seasons. As we celebrate the centers in sports, we recognize the intricate roles they play and the impact they have on the outcome of every match, game, or contest.