Hanfield Era Continues!
By Chris Baker
The Hanfield Era continues. Even though the Carolina Hurricane’s winning and point streak ended with a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers, Jalen Chatfield and Calvin de Haan continued their strong defensive play for the Canes. As a true testament to the way the Carolina Hurricanes are built differently, this streak is actually picking up steam the longer it goes.
November 29th was the last time the “Hanfield Line” had a negative game for the Hurricanes spawning what I have deemed the “Hanfield Era.” Since that game, Chatfield and de Haan have not had a negative point game as a defensive pairing.
But, as we have seen, this streak is starting to gain an offensive edge to it. Over the last 5 games, Chatfield and de Haan have added two points with a goal (Chatfield) and assist (de Haan)
Jalen Chatfield had what was perhaps his best game of the Hanfield Era Tuesday against the Rangers with a goal (his second of the season) and a +2 game. This was on 12:35 of ice time over 16 shifts. He also skated to a +2 game against New Jersey with 17 shifts and 12:45 of playing time.
Calvin de Haan also had a +2 game against the Rangers with 13:34 of ice time and 17 shifts. He tacked up an assist January 1st in New Jersey in that key Metro Division match-up with the Devils.
How long the Hanfield Era lasts is unknown, though it has the potential to keep up, if not improve with a new offensive edge. As the Carolina Hurricanes begin the middle part of the season when goals tend to be harder to come by, they begin to look forward to a serious run on the playoffs.
This pairing is going to play a key roll in the aggressive defensive play, while being an unsung hero offensively.