Winnipeg Sun
Friday, January 4, 2002
By Ken Wiebe -- Winnipeg Sun

HAMILTON -- Brad Leeb wasn't content after finishing 2001 on a high note.

The talented right-winger started the new year with another game-winning goal as the Manitoba Moose topped the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 on Wednesday night at Copps Coliseum.

"Things have been going well for me personally and things have been going well for the team," said Leeb, who has 14 goals and 26 points on the season. "We're just trying to keep everything going in the right direction and catch Hamilton."

Leeb has been a force since returning to the lineup on Nov. 30 after a brief two-game callup with the Vancouver Canucks, recording 10 goals and 17 points in 18 games -- including five points in his last three outings.

And Moose head coach Stan Smyl isn't expecting that production to taper off as his squad approaches the second half of the schedule.

"He's a really fine athlete, he's very well conditioned so I don't think you're going to see any wall for this guy," said Smyl. "He's ready to go night after night. The December he had was something to build off. You can see it in the way he's bouncing in his skates, compared to the start of the season."

Since newcomer Tyler Bouck took his spot on the left side with Leeb and centre Andre Savage, the trio has produced four goals and 12 points in three games.

"We've been playing well together, things have been clicking right off the bat," said Leeb, who has four game-winning goals. "Tyler brings a lot of good things to the line. He's a smart player and he brings a lot of work ethic. He can hit and he can score."



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