Barber named SBK Hockey/West top player

WENATCHEE - Jacob Barber (Dardenne Prairie, Mo.) has worn a

Wenatchee Wild sweater just four times, but he has made quite a

name for himself already in that short period of time. Barber, 19,

recorded a 4-point game last Thursday in the Wild's 6-0 shutout

over the Fresno Monsters that included a natural hat trick in the

third period.

WENATCHEE - Jacob Barber (Dardenne Prairie, Mo.) has worn a Wenatchee Wild sweater just four times, but he has made quite a name for himself already in that short period of time. Barber, 19, recorded a 4-point game last Thursday in the Wild's 6-0 shutout over the Fresno Monsters that included a natural hat trick in the third period.

Naturally, Barber was named the SBK Hockey/West Player of the Week Monday for his efforts in the Fresno series. In the first game of the series, Barber earned the primary assist on Blake Saylor's (Centennial, Colo.) first-period goal, which would eventually go as the game-winner.

Barber went on to dominate the third period, scoring three goals in 15 minutes and 57 seconds. He scored his first goal 7:25 into the final stanza on a deflection off a Tyler Hope (McKinney, Texas) shot from the top of the far faceoff circle.

Barber's second goal, scored at 10:08, was his most impressive. After intercepting a breakout pass near the Fresno blue line, Barber showcased his speed and scoring touch when he skated in alone on Fresno goalie Luis Puig and lofted a shot over his right shoulder. Barber's final goal, notched with 4:03 remaining in regulation, came on another redirection, this time off Bradley Shumway's (Lafayette, Colo.) shot.

"It always takes a few games for a player to get settled in a new situation," said Wild head coach John Becanic. "For Jacob, he quickly became very comfortable with our guys. He had an outstanding game [last] Thursday. Jacob is very quick, plays with passion and he obviously has scoring touch."

Barber has six points (4G, 2A) in four games with the Wild since he was acquired in a trade with the Alaska Avalanche on Feb. 4. Overall this season, Barber has 47 points (28G, 19A). With 28 goals, Barber is the fourth highest scorer in the NAHL, and his 47 points tie him for 15th best.

Monday's player of the week award was Barber's second of the season. He was named player of the week on Sept. 13 when he was a member of the Avalanche after he led his team to a 5-2 win in its first game of the season with a hat trick.

Barber and the Wild (26-17-3), which climbed back into second place in the West Division with last Thursday's win over the Monsters, will host a 2-game series against the Dawson Creek Rage this Friday and Saturday. Both games will begin at 7:05 p.m.