Badgers junior forward Robbie Earl certainly has the talent. The Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged that fact when they used a sixth-round selection on the junior forward in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Those who frequented the Kohl Center on Friday and Saturday evenings last season were witness to it, a work ethic and prowess on the ice that gave him the label of \fan favorite.""
""I think that, in watching him this fall and talking to him this fall,"" said Eaves, ""he wants to be a leader. He understands what it takes.""
What it doesn't necessarily take is voice. Earl, the Badgers' leading scorer last season with 20 goals, including a team-leading eight game-winners, feels he can assume a quiet role and lead on the ice.
""I'm an example guy,"" he said. ""I'm not a guy who's going to call anybody out, but I'll hold people accountable, do my job, and guys will follow off that.""
Eaves further explained that role.
""That means being the first guy in line, being the first guy on the ice and maybe off the ice. Taking a young guy under his wing and talking to him about what's going on. I see those types of things in him.""
Coach Eaves is not the only individual taking notice of a new characteristic emerging in Earl. Other players seem to be observing his emergence as well, even though the young season has yet to begin.
He's kind of a quieter guy. He likes to go and play, and lead by example,"" said senior right wing Ryan MacMurchy, the current points leader among all active players.
""We don't expect him to be a rah-rah guy in the dressing room. We've got guys who can do that.""
Although Earl is not a nominal captain of the team, he expects his production on the ice and tireless work ethic can set the stage for some of the younger players. He has made it a priority to help the newer members of the Badgers in their transition to college hockey.
Assistant coach Mark Osiecki, a former Wisconsin defenseman, contends that Earl is ready to embrace the challenge.
""I think he wants to grasp the reins. He might not be wearing a letter on his sweater in the sense of being a captain or assistant captain, in the program, but he's a leader.""
Part of being a leader, according to Earl, is maintaining high standards and setting attainable goals. This year, the first Badger ever to record a hat trick at the Kohl Center simply wants to improve.
""I want to put up better numbers than I did last year. It's going to take work, but that's my goal.""
Eaves couldn't help but point out a distinct quality in the adept Robbie Earl.
""Not only does he want to be a pro player, I think he wants to be a pro person. I think they should go hand in hand. If you're going to have the whole package, you'd like to have that.\
