Blades’ Herauf dreams of Cup

ESTERO , FL – Florida Everblades left winger Brad Herauf creates quite a stir both on and off the ice.   Heads turn as this crowd favorite, as confirmed by the fan voting for him as this season’s Blade “bobble head” figure, watches the game from the upper bowl.
 
Herauf is quite the fashion plate tonight in his light brown suit with gold highlights.   His shoes and socks match to perfection and he sports a complementary light peach colored shirt to complete his image.   The Blades players that sit out a game, for whatever reason, are required to dress professionally.   Herauf takes that to the next level.
 
“I do try really hard to be a smart and fashionable dresser”, he quips with his wide smile.
 
Herauf is temporarily side lined with a left shoulder injury and is on the 30 day IR.  
 
“It’s really hard being out of the game tonight because my parents are here visiting from Saskatchewan”, Herauf related to me last Saturday night while the Blades were pulverizing the Gladiators.
 
Herauf is a second season Everblade and a fourth season ECHL veteran player.   He spent two seasons with the Utah Grizzlies (122 games, 24 goals, 31 assists, 55 points, 556 PIM).   Last season with Florida he played in 64 games (13 goals, 19 assists, 32 points, 229 PIM).

 
As you can see, Herauf is an offensive defenseman. He plays hard when driving the net and does not hesitate to throw down the gloves as an enforcer.
 
“Sometimes fighting is necessary.   It is exiting for the fans to watch and can change the pace of the game to your advantage”, Herauf explains his style of play.
                                         
Herauf has high hopes and expectations for the Blades this year.   He feels that they have a great team.   They just need to put it all together.  
 
Herauf also feels that he brings veteran leadership to the team as well as a high level of energy and a consistent effort to each game he plays.
 
“Coach Cameron is looking to us veteran players to provide the leadership for the younger players”.
 
Herauf hails from Regina, Saskatchewan where his family still resides.   He has a younger brother, Michael, who is 24.   Yes, he does play some hockey back home in Canada.
 
Herauf is a big fan of his hometown team, the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the CHL.   He closely follows their progress through the season back in Canada and is excited about this years prospects.
 
Although Herauf does not have a special lady at this time, he is exited to be in Florida.
 
“There are lots of beautiful women here in Florida”, he says with a shy smile.
 
Herauf is very motivated and excited to be playing here in Florida again.   He is one of only two returning Blades from last season.   The other player is also a crowd favorite, Ernie Hartlieb.
 
He says that this is definitely the year the Blades will win it all.
 
“I have had dreams of the Blades winning this year and I truly believe them.   We all want to do it for the crowd because coming to the game should be a place to forget your problems and enjoy the evening.   We also want to win it for Mr. Brush (GM) and Coach Cameron.   And of course, we want to win for ourselves”.
 
He feels in this time of the poor economy that a win would help to bring the community back together and be an inspiration to everyone.   The Blades management has put a lot of time, effort, and money into building this team and he feels that they can do it all.
 
The Hockey News has also predicted that the Blades will take the Kelly Cup home to Florida in 2009.   If all of the Blades have the same determination and passion as Brad Herauf, this could certainly become a reality and no longer just a dream.
 
 
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com