Life on the Breakaway
The Cherry-Picker’s office is the opposition blue line. While linemates grind in the corners, this player hovers, waiting for a stretch pass like a big game hunter. When the puck springs loose, they’re gone—long strides, head up, crowd rising. Sometimes the puck lands; sometimes coaches groan. The risk is high, but the celebration is spectacular.
They memorise goalie tendencies, practice dekes in mirrors, and argue that defense is overrated when you can score four. Teammates chirp about the occasional two-on-one the other way, yet deep down they love having a human highlight machine ready to break a game open.
Cherry-Pickers are adrenaline, swagger, and a reminder that not everyone plays the game the same way—and that’s okay.
Vitals
Favourite call-out: “Head up!”
Pre-game ritual: Visualises breakaway moves
Secret stat: Leads the team in cherry-picked offsides.
Offensive Tools
Elite acceleration, silky mitts, snapshot release that beats goalies before they set.
Defensive Habits
Let’s just say… developing. Will backcheck if the coach yells twice or the game is tied late.
Scouting Report
- Breakaway Artist: Practices fakes relentlessly. Has a signature move and five counters.
- High Risk, High Reward: Creates momentum swings—both directions—multiple times a game.
- Confidence Machine: When the puck finds them early, they might fill the net. When it doesn’t, expect frustrated laps.
- Fan Favourite: Kids love the flair, coaches reach for the antacids.
Cherry-Picked Moment
Down a goal with a minute left, the Cherry-Picker ignored the coach’s “short shifts!” call and hovered high. A blocked shot squirted loose, and three strides later the puck was under the bar. Overtime? Same play, same result. No one mentioned the missed backcheck from the second period ever again.
“He’s a roller-coaster, but when he cashes in you forget the stomach drops.” — Defenseman
How to Channel the Cherry-Picker
- Sharpen speed and finishing moves. If you’re going to stretch the zone, you must make it count.
- Read the game—know when teammates need support versus when to leak out.
- Communicate with defenders so your gambles are calculated, not chaos.
- Celebrate responsibly. Remember the team effort that allowed you to leak out in the first place.