Tushie has been a piece of the Lakers’ elite defensive unit since his freshman year and has now solidified himself as the No. 1 close defenseman as a junior. He usually draws the matchup against the opponent’s top offensive player and has been up to the task this season. He is a perfect blend of speed, strength, and skill.  Tushie can match feet with anyone, throw checks without losing position, and add a physical presence to an already strong defense.  I love his range and ability to press out to the sideline without getting in trouble and how he forces turnovers regularly.  He has great stick skills, so when he gets the ball on the ground, he is usually grabbing a first time ground ball and getting his team into transition.  He has 44 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers in nine games this year for the Lakers.

Tushie has been a piece of the Lakers’ elite defensive unit since his freshman year and has now solidified himself as the No. 1 close defenseman as a junior. He usually draws the matchup against the opponent’s top offensive player and has been up to the task this season. He is a perfect blend of speed, strength, and skill.  Tushie can match feet with anyone, throw checks without losing position, and add a physical presence to an already strong defense.  I love his range and ability to press out to the sideline without getting in trouble and how he forces turnovers regularly.  He has great stick skills, so when he gets the ball on the ground, he is usually grabbing a first time ground ball and getting his team into transition.  He has 44 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers in nine games this year for the Lakers.