Rec League is a totally unique brand of hockey, especially if you're playing in The D League.
Forwards only backcheck for the first period, even when they do they usually leave the trailer, defenceman are often left wide open at the point but never passed to and goalies basically face 2-on-1s all game. It's sloppy, but it's a blast and we couldn't love it more.
If there was one part we could do without, it would be the short bench, especially when it causes the awkward conversation that no one wants to have: Who's going back on D?
Defence in D-League is a very powerful position, but only if you understand how to play it to your advantage. First of all, you get way more ice time, especially when the team is short guys. Let's say you normally have 10 players and that week there are nine, there's no way you're making uneven lines on forward so the D get to play with three guys (That can be bad against a mismatched team, but you get your money's worth of ice).
Next, you start with the puck on every play. If you want to weave through an entire team to try and dangle for a goal, you're not going to get that chance on forward -- in fact, you'll probably just be stuck waiting at the opposing blue line watching your defencemen skate the puck all the way up the ice.
There are a lot of benefits, but the fact remains, defence is underrated fun in D-League.
If you want to see more sketches from The D League, there was another a couple of weeks back about clear tape and the one guy who never brings it. There will continue to be more throughout the hockey season, so if you want to see more make sure to follow @TSN_Official, @BarDown and the hashtag #TheDLeague on Instagram.
