Podcast (Audio) The Hockey PDOcast Episode: Quinton Byfield's unique skillset and how he's using it this season
- Thread starter BringTheReign
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Axl Rhoadz
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CowMix
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Can I come collect my "I told you sos" from all the people I was arguing with who called Byfield a bust yet?
Axl Rhoadz
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Eagle Fang
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Great listen!
Have to admit, I've been super positive on Byfield up until the end of this year's preseason, but my belief started to waiver as I didn't really see much improvement in the areas I felt were weaknesses.
Then he stole Fiala's mojo and went complete beast mode. I mean, he looks like a completely different player out there for all the right reasons.
Have to admit, I've been super positive on Byfield up until the end of this year's preseason, but my belief started to waiver as I didn't really see much improvement in the areas I felt were weaknesses.
Then he stole Fiala's mojo and went complete beast mode. I mean, he looks like a completely different player out there for all the right reasons.
That is one theory as to why Fiala is playing like boiled dog shit.
lumbergh
It was an idea. I didn't say it was a good idea.
Long story short, Quinton Byfield has become a forechecking monster. He's fast, agile, and big. He gets on the boards and comes out with the puck and separation.
BringTheReign
Registered User
And he’s combined it with his natural playmaking instincts and a growing willingness to attack the middle from off the wall!
The same guys just posted this video on YT - 13 min Byfield mixtape lets gooooooo
Here's my attempt at getting some summary information by feeding the transcript to ChatGPT and looking for structural points and summarizing them.
00:00 Introduction and Focus: Dimitri and Darryl introduce their weekly analysis project, selecting a player of interest and examining their gameplay. This week's focus is on Quinton Byfield.
00:38 Byfield's Development and Skating: They discuss Byfield's growth since being drafted second overall in 2020. Darryl highlights Byfield's skating skills, agility, and improvements in moving through the neutral zone.
02:02 The Achievement Gap: Dimitri introduces the concept of the "achievement gap," where a player's physical gifts overshadow their technical skills. They explore how Byfield transitioned from dominating in junior leagues to adapting to NHL play.
03:42 Byfield's Use of Physical Attributes: Darryl notes how Byfield's size and agility, particularly in tight spaces, have evolved. He emphasizes Byfield's ability to use his body effectively in gameplay.
05:52 Wall Play and Adaptability: They discuss Byfield's skill in wall play, focusing on his ability to absorb contact and maintain balance. Darryl points out Byfield's adaptability in different in-game situations.
00:00 Introduction and Focus: Dimitri and Darryl introduce their weekly analysis project, selecting a player of interest and examining their gameplay. This week's focus is on Quinton Byfield.
00:38 Byfield's Development and Skating: They discuss Byfield's growth since being drafted second overall in 2020. Darryl highlights Byfield's skating skills, agility, and improvements in moving through the neutral zone.
02:02 The Achievement Gap: Dimitri introduces the concept of the "achievement gap," where a player's physical gifts overshadow their technical skills. They explore how Byfield transitioned from dominating in junior leagues to adapting to NHL play.
03:42 Byfield's Use of Physical Attributes: Darryl notes how Byfield's size and agility, particularly in tight spaces, have evolved. He emphasizes Byfield's ability to use his body effectively in gameplay.
05:52 Wall Play and Adaptability: They discuss Byfield's skill in wall play, focusing on his ability to absorb contact and maintain balance. Darryl points out Byfield's adaptability in different in-game situations.
- Skill in Tight Spaces: Byfield's ability to play effectively along the boards, known as 'wall play,' is highlighted. This involves skills like protecting the puck, making plays under pressure, and utilizing body position to maintain control in confined areas near the boards.
- Absorbing and Using Contact: An important aspect of Byfield's development is his ability to absorb contact without losing balance or puck control. He's adept at using his size and strength to 'roll with' hits, turning them into advantages. This skill is crucial in tight-checking NHL games.
- Pivot and Crossover Use: Byfield's improved skating is crucial here. He effectively uses pivots and crossovers to escape pressure along the boards. This ability to quickly change direction while maintaining control of the puck is a significant asset in his gameplay.
- Comparison with Tage Thompson:
- Similar Physical Profiles: Tage Thompson, like Byfield, is a large-bodied NHL player. Standing at 6'7", Thompson's size and reach are his prominent physical attributes. Both players have had to learn how to leverage their size in the NHL effectively.
- Thompson’s Development: Early in his career, Thompson, much like Byfield, faced the challenge of translating his junior-level dominance to the NHL. Initially used as a winger, Thompson's size sometimes worked against him in tight spaces along the boards.
- Positional Shift and Breakout: The Buffalo Sabres’ decision to move Thompson from the wing to center transformed his game. This shift allowed him to utilize the central ice more effectively, leveraging his size and skill in a less confined space. Thompson's game opened up, leading to a breakout in scoring and playmaking.
- Byfield’s Potential Similar Path: Byfield could potentially see a similar evolution. While already showing prowess in wall play and adaptability, further development in using the central ice and his overall agility could elevate his game. This might involve a shift in his positional play or a continued refinement of his skills to make the most of his physical attributes in the NHL’s tight-checking environment.
- Space Between Hands and Hips Concept:
- Defensive Vulnerability: The area between a player's hands and hips is crucial in puck protection, especially along the boards. Defenders often target this space to disrupt a player's control of the puck. For larger players like Byfield, this space is naturally larger, presenting a potential vulnerability.
- Protecting the Puck: Effective wall play involves using one's body to shield the puck from opponents. By keeping the puck close and using their body effectively, players can protect this vulnerable space and maintain possession.
- Byfield's Use of His Size: As a larger player, Byfield's ability to protect this space is vital. His improvements in this area have been noted, demonstrating his ability to keep the puck closer to his body and effectively use his size to shield it from opponents.
- Byfield's Technique in Wall Play:
- Soft Shoulders and Hips: The concept of 'soft shoulders and hips' refers to a player's ability to absorb contact and use it to their advantage. Instead of rigidly resisting hits, Byfield has shown the ability to 'roll with' the contact, maintaining balance and puck control.
- Turning and Pivoting: Byfield's improved skating skills come into play here. He uses pivots and crossovers effectively while engaging in wall play. This agility allows him to turn quickly, evade defenders, and create offensive opportunities from the boards.
- Creating Separation: One of Byfield's strengths in wall play is his ability to create separation from defenders. This involves quick lateral movements, using his agility to open up space and make plays.
- Implications for Offensive Play:
- Transitioning from Defense to Offense: Byfield's ability in wall play isn't just about maintaining possession; it's also about transitioning effectively from defense to offense. Winning battles along the boards often leads to offensive opportunities.
- Space Utilization: By understanding how to protect the space between his hands and hips, Byfield can maneuver more effectively in tight areas, leading to better puck control and higher-quality scoring chances.
- 14:03 F3 Play: Byfield’s adaptability in the F3 position is commended. His size and agility allow him to be effective in this role, where he can utilize his skating skills and awareness to be a threat both offensively and defensively. Byfield's F3 play is characterized by his ability to shoot effectively from this position, leveraging his size and skill. He’s capable of shooting off the pass, pivoting into shots, and participating in quick rotations, which makes him a versatile scoring threat from the high slot area.
- 15:27 Contrast with Kopitar: The discussion touched upon several factors that, in the past, may have limited Anze Kopitar's potential to reach even higher point totals in the NHL, despite his already impressive career:
- Limited Rotation and Use of the Entire Offensive Zone: Kopitar, while excelling in certain areas like wall play and around the net, was noted to have less fluidity in utilizing the entire offensive zone. This restricted variety in his play limited the number of scoring opportunities he could create or be involved in.
- Reliance on Specific Play Styles: Kopitar's playstyle, heavily focused on strength in puck protection and skill in tight spaces, potentially narrowed the range of his offensive tactics. While highly effective in these areas, expanding his playstyle to include more dynamic, full-ice strategies might have opened up additional scoring channels.
- 15:47 Multiple Puck Touches: The idea of a player touching the puck multiple times during an offensive play was emphasized as significant. This concept is crucial for play development, as it allows the player to be continuously involved in the offense, increasing their chances of contributing directly to a goal. Byfield’s ability to touch the puck multiple times in the offensive zone was noted as a strength. His involvement in the play doesn’t just stop at the initial puck contact; he often re-engages with the puck, contributing to sustained offensive pressure. Byfield’s ability to engage multiple times with the puck aligns with the LA Kings' offensive strategies. This approach not only showcases his individual skill but also highlights the team’s emphasis on sustained offensive zone pressure and playmaking (wall play and low-to-high).
- 20:41 First Touch on Forecheck: Byfield's strategy as a forechecker focuses on winning the race to the puck, aiming for the first touch. This approach is about outmaneuvering and outskating opponents to gain puck possession, rather than relying on physical force. Byfield's effectiveness in this role is attributed to his speed and agility. Despite his size, he opts for a more skillful approach to forechecking, using his quickness to beat defenders to the puck. By gaining the first touch, Byfield is able to initiate offensive plays more effectively. This strategy often leads to maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities, as opposed to a more physical forecheck that might disrupt play but not necessarily result in puck control.
- 21:57 Transition Game and Rush Offense: Dimitri and Darryl analyze LA Kings' transition game and how Byfield contributes to it. They note his ability to make east-west plays during rushes, enhancing the team's offensive dynamics.
- 24:02 Developing Command of the Middle of the Ice: While Byfield has shown proficiency in wall play and on the wings, a potential area for growth is his use of the middle of the ice. Developing this aspect of his game could open up new offensive opportunities and make him a more dynamic threat. This would involve transitioning from the boards to the center more fluidly, utilizing his size and skill to maneuver in these central areas. The discussion implied that mastering the middle of the ice is a natural progression for Byfield’s development. Enhancing his ability to navigate and control the game from this area could be a significant step in elevating his overall impact on the ice.
- 25:07 Developing Neutral Zone Skating Since Being Drafted: In his draft year, there were concerns about Byfield's skating efficiency in the neutral zone. Observers noted that while he possessed agility and athletic prowess, his skating appeared somewhat unrefined and included unnecessary movements. Byfield's skating through the neutral zone was described as "gangly," suggesting a lack of smoothness and coordination. It was thought that he expended excess energy due to these inefficiencies in his skating technique. Since his draft year, Byfield has shown considerable improvement in his skating through the neutral zone. The evolution in his skating style was noted as a key area of development. Byfield’s skating in the neutral zone has become more efficient and powerful. Earlier concerns about wasted movement and energy have been addressed, leading to a more effective and streamlined skating style. A specific improvement in Byfield's neutral zone skating is his increased use of crossovers. This technique has enhanced his ability to maintain speed and maneuverability while transitioning through the neutral zone. The discussion highlighted that when Byfield does not rely on crossovers, he transitions into a powerful, forceful stride. This "angry stride" signifies a strong, determined push that generates speed and propels him effectively through the neutral zone.
- 26:52 Kings Zone Entry
- 33:19 Defensive Contributions: Byfield's defensive skills are highlighted, especially his ability to disrupt plays and cause turnovers. They note his exceptional skating ability as a key factor in his defensive effectiveness instead of physical play.
- Power Play and Shooting: The discussion shifts to Byfield's role in the power play and his shooting skills. They suggest potential improvements in his power play positioning and shot frequency to enhance his scoring potential.
- Byfield's Overall Impact and Future Development: The conversation concludes with reflections on Byfield's growing impact on the Kings, his potential for further development, and how he could optimize his physical attributes in future games.
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BringTheReign
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Wisdom
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No, I ran out of time. It was taking too much time to craft prompts about the bullet points that had meaningful output. Then copy/pasting/editing the content in the post. I'll work on finishing it now, actually.
EDIT: Most of the nesting was me, actually.
I suspected that much! AI, Chat GPT included, is actually pretty dense, and what you posted above seemed way too smart for a mortal automaton.
Part 2 of the summary:
- 26:52 Kings Zone Entry
- Earlier Strategy: Historically, the Kings' F1 and F2 focused on a direct, north-south approach during rush plays. F1 would either carry the puck deep into the offensive zone or take an early shot, with F2 supporting and ready for rebounds or secondary plays.
- Evolving Strategy - Incorporating East-West Movement: The Kings have evolved this strategy to be more dynamic. Now, F1 and F2 work to create space and involve more lateral, east-west movements. This change aims to break down the defensive structure more effectively and create better scoring opportunities. This change has introduced a less predictable, more dynamic element to their offense. The lateral movement across the ice makes it harder for defenders and goalies to anticipate plays, leading to more dangerous scoring opportunities.
- Creating Space and Opportunities: The discussion highlighted the importance of F2 in particular in creating space for offensive plays. A well-positioned F2 can draw defenders away, opening up lanes for F1 or facilitating east-west plays that are less predictable and more challenging for opponents to defend.
- 33.22 Connecting to the Defensive Element:
- Role as a Disruptor: Byfield's defensive role was emphasized as being more of a disruptor rather than a traditional physical enforcer. He uses his speed and size to apply pressure on opposing players and cause disruptions in their play.
- Speed and Agility in Defense: Byfield's agility and speed are key assets in his defensive play. These attributes enable him to close gaps quickly and effectively challenge opponents, disrupting their offensive flow. Byfield's skating ability is a central part of his defensive game. His speed and agility allow him to quickly close down space and effectively challenge opponents. This mobility is crucial for maintaining defensive positioning and reacting to the play. Byfield's speed in winning footraces also contributes to his defensive effectiveness. He can disrupt opposing plays by reaching the puck first, leading to turnovers and transition opportunities for his team.
- Utilizing Reach and Stick Skills: Byfield’s reach and skill with the stick are significant in his defensive approach. He effectively uses his long reach and active stick to break up plays, intercept passes, and takeaway puck possession from opponents.
- Creating Turnovers: A notable aspect of Byfield's defensive game is his ability to cause turnovers. By applying pressure and using his skating skills, he is often able to force errors from the opposing team, leading to puck recoveries.
- Body Positioning for Takeaways: Byfield's approach to defense includes smart body positioning. He uses his frame to his advantage, positioning himself effectively to intercept passes or disrupt the offensive movement of opponents. His reach, combined with his body position, makes him effective in takeaways and breaking up plays.
- Transition from Defense to Offense: Byfield's defensive play is not just about stopping opponents but also about transitioning effectively from defense to offense. His ability to quickly turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities is a valuable aspect of his game.
- 34:35 Skating Aiding in Versatility in Offensive Play
- Byfield's skill in rotating from the wall to the middle of the ice showcases his versatility as a forward. This movement allows him to be involved in different phases of the offensive play and not just be confined to the perimeter.
- Creating False Information: An interesting point in the discussion was Byfield's ability to create false information for opponents through his body positioning. He can feign one direction or intention with his body, only to quickly adjust and counter the opponent's move, leading to successful defensive interventions.
- Kopitar and Byfield: Anze Kopitar, is renowned for his puck protection skills. He has long been recognized for his ability to maintain possession and make plays in tight spaces, particularly along the boards and around the net. Quinton Byfield, being newer to the NHL, is developing similar skills in puck protection. His size and agility have been noted as key factors in his ability to shield the puck effectively, similar to Kopitar. Both players utilize their body positioning and strength to protect the puck. Kopitar's experience gives him an edge in terms of nuanced play and decision-making, while Byfield is seen as rapidly developing in this area, using his physical attributes to his advantage.
- Speed in Forechecking: This ability is particularly valuable in forechecking scenarios. Byfield can quickly close the distance to the puck, often beating defenders in races, which is vital for puck recovery and offensive play initiation. Byfield's ability to consistently get the first touch on the puck is crucial in initiating offensive plays. Winning these initial puck battles allows him to set the tone and direction of the play, often leading to sustained offensive pressure.
- 41:28 Byfield's Development
- Byfield's Skating Development: There was a focus on how Byfield’s skating has evolved since his draft year. Initially, his skating, particularly through the neutral zone, appeared less refined. However, since joining the NHL, Byfield has made significant strides in his skating efficiency and power, showcasing improved agility and a more effective stride.
- Patience in Development: The Los Angeles Kings' patience in Byfield's development was highlighted. Recognizing the transition challenges from junior hockey to the NHL, the Kings have allowed Byfield time to adjust and refine his skills, rather than rushing his progress. This approach acknowledges the importance of adapting to the faster pace and more complex play of the NHL.
- Comparison with Alexis Lafrenière: Byfield and Alexis Lafrenière, who were the top two picks in the 2020 NHL Draft, were compared in terms of their development paths. While Lafrenière's breakout in the NHL has been more in terms of goal-scoring and finishing plays, Byfield's development has focused on skating efficiency, versatility, and playmaking. This contrast highlights the unique development journey of each player and the different approaches taken by their respective teams.
- Importance of Adaptation and Patience: The discussion underscored the importance of adaptation to the NHL and the necessity of patience from teams in developing young talent. Each player's journey is individual, and teams like the Kings recognize that allowing players like Byfield to develop at their own pace can lead to more substantial long-term contributions.
- 43:04 The Future
- Power Play
- Current Role on the Power Play: Byfield is primarily utilized on the Kings' second power-play unit. His role often involves transporting the puck into the offensive zone due to his skating ability. However, once in the zone, he is frequently positioned as the net-front presence.
- Potential for Expanded Role: There is a belief that Byfield's current usage on the power play doesn't fully exploit his skill set. While his size makes him an obvious choice for a net-front role, his agility, puck-handling, and playmaking abilities could be better utilized in more dynamic positions.
- Suggestions for Diverse Utilization: It was suggested that Byfield could be more effective if used in a manner that allows for constant movement, such as operating off the goal line or in a roving position. This would enable him to leverage his puck-handling skills and agility more effectively.
- Shooting and Scoring Potential: Despite being primarily a playmaker, there's a belief that Byfield has the potential to develop a more potent shot, which could add another dimension to his game on the power play and at even strength.
- Rotating Byfield's Position
- Versatility Over Stationary Play: The idea is to leverage Byfield’s versatility rather than confining him to a stationary role in front of the net on the power play. His skills suggest he could be more effective when given the freedom to move and utilize different areas of the ice.
- Advantages of Man in the Middle Role: Using Byfield as the man in the middle could maximize his playmaking and shooting abilities. This position allows him to receive and distribute the puck from a central location, making him a pivotal part of the power-play unit's offense.
- Rotational Movement: Rotating Byfield through different positions on the power play, rather than keeping him fixed in front of the net, could reveal other potential strengths.
- Shooting Mentality: Byfield can learn to choose to shoot early instead of as the last resort after all pass options are exhausted. Kopitar will probably guide him in that direction, reducing how much he might defer to Kopitar and Kempe as the shooters.
- Power Play
It's an interesting exercise. If I write, "Summarize the discussion of ..." I'll generally get 5 points with 2-3 sentences. Sometimes the latter points will just be restatements. As a concrete example, "Briefly summarize the discussion of Byfield's ability to win footraces to the puck." I got:
ChatGPT Output said:
The last two points were kind of just repeats, but you can see how I worked the points in. However, the discussion of Byfield's tracking and superior lines were omitted.
Or another example: "Summarize the discussion of his untapped potential, starting with his use on the powerplay."
ChatGPT Output said:
Again, the last point might be a repeat. And I was hoping to get the discussion of man in the middle there, but I had to create a separate prompt for that and merge in the points.
In case anyone cares, the last prompt I wrote and the output:
"Summarize the potential to use Byfield as man in the middle and rotating him through different positions compared to using him just in front of the net."
ChatGPT Output said:
If anyone is looking for a starting point on how to do this, you can get YouTube generated transcript and copy/paste into a prompt. My first one:
"Summarize, with structural points, the following transcript of a discussion between Dimitri Philipovich and Darryl Belfrey in no more than 1000 words:"
[Then the copy/pasted transcript without time stamps of the 50 minute conversation]
I used the GPT4 model for this, but you can use the GPT3.5 model for free without losing much, I think. I didn't test that.
I added the time stamps of the major points, then used follow-up prompts to expand the different discussions, editing in different points as I went.
"Summarize, with structural points, the following transcript of a discussion between Dimitri Philipovich and Darryl Belfrey in no more than 1000 words:"
[Then the copy/pasted transcript without time stamps of the 50 minute conversation]
I used the GPT4 model for this, but you can use the GPT3.5 model for free without losing much, I think. I didn't test that.
I added the time stamps of the major points, then used follow-up prompts to expand the different discussions, editing in different points as I went.
- expand on point 5, especially the comparison with Tage Thompson
- Expand on the discussion on wall play and space between hands and hips.
- Summarize the F3 play discussion in no more than 250 words
- What are the main points that held Kopitar back?
- Summarize the discussion of multiple touches in the offensive zone.
- Summarize Byfield's value as a forechecker with first touch instead of running over the defender.
- Summarize the discussion on Byfield's personal development using the middle of the ice.
- Summarize the section on Byfield's draft year neutral zone skating
- How did the discussion describe Byfield's skating evolution through the neutral zone since his draft?
- Summarize the discussion of the Kings Zone Entry play.
- What was the discussion of the change in how the Kings used to attack on the rush vs. now?
- What was the discussion of F1 and F2?
- Please summarize the discussion of Byfield's defensive element.
- Please summarize the discussion of Byfield's defensive element including his skating and body position.
- Expand further on the section discussing his ability to rotate his position from the wall to the middle of the ice.
- Briefly discuss the section comparing Byfield and Kopitar's puck protection skills.
- Briefly summarize the discussion of Byfield's ability to win footraces to the puck.
- Summarize how Byfield's ability to get first touch leads to offensive success.
- Summarize the discussion of Byfield's skating development, the Kings development patience, and the link to Alexis Lafreniere.
- Summarize the discussion of his untapped potential, starting with his use on the powerplay.
- Summarize the potential to use Byfield as man in the middle and rotating him through different positions compared to using him just in front of the net.
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Maybe this will be a more useful first summary:
Quinton Byfield's Development and Impact on LA Kings:
Quinton Byfield's Development and Impact on LA Kings:
- Skating Skills (00:58): Byfield's skating, particularly this season, is a highlight. His effective use of skating is noted as a significant improvement from his pre-draft and early NHL years.
- Physical Attributes (1:30): His high athletic agility, ability to stop and turn quickly, and exceptional hand skills are discussed.
- Neutral Zone Play (1:50): Byfield’s pace through the neutral zone has improved significantly, which was previously considered a potential weakness.
- Adaptation and Physical Play (4:04): Byfield's adaptation in using his body effectively in physical situations is highlighted.
- Wall Play and Puck Protection (6:07): Emphasized his ability to handle contact, maintain balance, and use his skating to maneuver out of tight situations along the walls.
- Agility and Separation (5:38): Noted for his quick movements and ability to create separation without compromising his position.
- Utilization in LA Kings' System (11:21): Byfield's skills are seen as a perfect fit for the Kings’ style of play, especially in their half-court offensive system.
- Rotational Play and Offensive Positioning (14:03): His ability to rotate from the wall into offensive positions like F3 (high slot forward) and his effectiveness in these areas are noted.
- Shot Selection and Scoring Ability (17:21): While primarily a playmaker, Byfield’s potential as a scorer, especially through improved shot selection and positioning, is discussed.
- Transition and Rush Game (22:09): His role in the Kings’ transition game and rush attacks, leveraging his speed and playmaking, is emphasized.
- Defensive Contribution (33:30): Byfield’s defensive work, particularly his ability to disrupt plays and cause turnovers, is praised.
- Power Play Utilization (43:23): His current role on the power play and potential for different utilization, like being a middle-man or playmaker, is discussed.
- Overall Impact and Team Synergy (47:03): Byfield’s overall impact on the team's performance and how his skills complement his teammates is highlighted.
Great example of what was discussed on the podcast. Quick turn up the ice, speed through the neutral zone with an east-west pass at the blue line, and QB blowing by a defender in a 2-on-2 situation. The King's rush game is better, Byfield's skating is better, and Byfield's shooting is better.
Actually, both of Byfield's goals in the Montreal 2023-12-07 game were shots that he missed in previous years. Maybe even earlier this season.
Actually, both of Byfield's goals in the Montreal 2023-12-07 game were shots that he missed in previous years. Maybe even earlier this season.
