Price pays dividends at both ends of the ice

Forward Jason Price has 15 goals and 16 assists in 55 games for the Renegades this season. Price paying dividends Solid two-way play gives Gades a push toward postseason When the Richmond Renegades picked up Jason Price off waivers late last season, coach Brian Goudie didn't get a good look at the big winger.

That's because the 6-3 200-pounder suffered a broken finger after three games and sat out what was left of the season. But Price has come back strong this year, and Goudie has used him at both ends of the ice.

"He helped me for a week or two on defense, when we were kind of short there," Goudie said. "Now he's a mainstay up front. That's his position."

Price didn't mind the switch to defense midway through the season because he spent one year in juniors on the blue line.

"I like to play defense," he said after practice Wednesday at SkateNation Plus. "You can see the ice a lot. Wherever I can help the team out."

The Farmington Hills, Mich., native has returned to the offensive end and proved he can be a consistent contributor to the scoring line.

"Sometimes he gets in there and he can put the puck in the net," Goudie said. "He pulls the puck through guys. He's big and he can skate, and he uses everything he has."

Price has improved as the season has gone along, and his goal against Fayetteville on Tuesday gave him 15 to go with 16 assists in 55 games.

"I think of myself as more of a defensive playmaker," said the 24-year-old. "I like to take care of the 'D' zone first and then let stuff up front happen."

In parts of two seasons with the Columbus Cottonmouths, who let him go late last season, Price had a total of seven goals and 21 assists in 67 games. So his offensive skills have improved considerably.

"As of late, I've been scoring a little more," he said. "Getting involved offensively. I've been with Ryan Busby and Matt Larke lately. We're working pretty well together. Busby finds his way into the areas and gets the puck to you."

Price continues to work on his defense, which is why Goudie didn't hesitate to put him on the blue line.

"He's one of those guys who takes pride in keeping the puck out of his net," Goudie said. "Covering his man. Playing his position. That's the difference between some guys and other guys. He takes pride in his position both offensively and defensively."

Price, along with his teammates, will be returning to the Coliseum for the first time in a month tonight (7:35), when the Renegades face Fayetteville for the third straight game.

"It's been a while," he said of the Coliseum. "We haven't seen that rink in so long."

Contact John Packett at (804) 649-6313 or .