Young Avalanche prospect Mason Geertsen inherited the No. 2 sweater from traded veteran Nick Holden and generally, they look like the same player. They’re both 6-foot-4 defensemen. Left-handed shots. Good skaters. But in terms of toughness, Geertsen clearly has the edge. In fact, Geertsen plays with a giant edge. He tends to get fighting mad.
From Drayton Valley, Alberta, Geertsen had six fights in the American Hockey League last season plus two more in the ECHL. In Sunday’s rookie showcase exhibition against the Anaheim Ducks’ youngsters, Geertsen had an excellent fight showing against 6-4 Darian Skeoch.
“It’s part of my game, being that physical presence and sticking up for my teammates,” Geertsen said Tuesday after the Avs’ rookie camp practice at Family Sports Center.