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against the Calgary Flames on January 1st, 2011 (Photo by Getty Images). For 35-year old defenceman Jason Strudwick.The Oilers are, after all, in a rebuilding process. Brought to the forefront amidst the on-ice development is the need for a strong leadership group to help guide the path to greatness. With a leadership core that includes experienced veterans Shawn Horcoff, Ryan Whitney and others, football america Strudwick has emerged as one of the most notable standouts considering his extra curricular assistance to some of the Oilers- young, impressionable rookies. It began early in the season when the likes of Taylor Hall and Magnus Paajarvi was on the ice at Rexall Place well before the morning skate officially got underway. In doing so, he was joined by Strudwick as they skated circles around the rin football america k, before pausing at the visitors- bench to convene in a more formal setting. The two conversed for several minutes and ended their meeting, in typical Strudwick form, with a burst of laughter.While the sequence may seem inconsequential, it was yet another example of the leadership that pulses from the locker room. The Oilers are currently mired in a seven-game losing skid, with the assignments on football america ly getting more difficult as the team prepares to embark on another long road swing. It was the perfect opportunity for the veteran Strudwick to show the way, as the club looks to find solid ground.The decision to re-sign Strudwick provided something the Oilers were in need of. The team was quite clearly going to allow the kids to play this season, and with the opening night roster including the l football america ikes of Theo PeckhamStrudwick understands his role. His entire philosophy is built around bettering his game, by bringing his upstanding work ethic and irreplaceable leadership qualities on a daily basis. All told, a mentality that revolves around what-s best for the team.The role of the seventh defenceman hardly glamorous, but Strudwick brings an astounding level of class, professionalism and tea football america mwork to the process. While most of his season has been spent up top, the extra commitment at practice instantly makes him a valuable contributor to the Oilers- rebuilding efforts.From top to bottom, this is a collaborative effort. Strudwick has proven he-s here in help in any way he can. football america
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