Gushulak, Anderson continue torrid scoring prowess

As the Muskies got ready to start the 1998-99 campaign without their top two scorers from last season, the big question mark was who would replace that lost offensive production.
But heading into last night’s contest against the Dryden Eagles here, the Muskies had a new question. What scoring problem?
The black-and-gold have lit up the scoreboard in NorWOSSA play so far this season, averaging better than eight goals a game en route to a league-leading 6-0 record going into last night’s showdown.
In their last four league games, they’ve racked up 43 goals–just under a whopping 11 per game!
The biggest reason for that success has been the combination of rookie centre Ross Anderson and second-year left-winger Brad Gushulak on a line with freshman right-winger Adam McTavish.
Gushulak, 17, leads the league in scoring with nine goals and 15 assists while Anderson is in second spot with eight goals and eight assists.
Then again, success on the ice is nothing new for the Anderson-Gushulak tandem, who tore up the opposition while with the local Bantam B•Macs two years ago.
Muskie head coach Glen Edwards had nothing but praise for his high-flying scoring line.
“Brad has really developed into a good scorer who can convert on his opportunities in close, and when he works hard, he can be a very effective forechecker,” he said of Gushulak’s improved offensive play.
Gushulak, who tied for seventh in team scoring last season with six goals and nine assists, already has shattered his totals from a year ago–and in just six league games to boot.
“Anderson is a little quicker, and handles the puck pretty good and he’s strong on the puck–he keeps getting better and better,” added Edwards.
With the addition of McTavish, Edwards called the new line a “pleasant surprise” for his team, which had been hampered by injuries earlier in the season.
Gushulak said team depth has helped their line produce even more, noting if opponents send out their checking line against them, the Muskies’ other lines will net their share of goals.
“That’s the main difference from last year to this year. Everyone is contributing, and everyone is working a lot harder,” he added.
“I hope ‘Grapes’ [Edwards] keeps us together because we play well together,” he pleaded. “We know where the other one is going to be on the ice.”
Anderson, who starred for the B•Macs for two season, agreed, saying a chemistry has developed between the two that began in Bantam and has continued with the Muskies.
He added he hopes their line can keep on contributing offensively as the Muskies try to pick up their game even more after the Christmas break.
No doubt that’s a Christmas wish at the top of Edwards’ list, too.