St. Louis Blues: 10 Players Most Like The Force Awakens Characters.

Kylo Ren – Joel Edmundson

People might be wondering why you would compare a player on a team you root for to someone from the Dark Side of the Force. Well, it’s because Kylo Ren is a bit on the edge. He’s ruthless to those who oppose him and a bit out of control at times.

All of those attributes seem to fit Joel Edumundson. Like Kylo Ren, he’s young but powerful.

Edmundson is strong and a force of nature with a lot of power in in his game. While there is no such thing as the Force in real life, Edmundson is a force on the blueline.

He clears people from the front of the net. Like Kylo Ren with his saber skills, Edmundson has some talent moving the puck but he is still raw and needs seasoning.

Also like Ren, Edmundson is a bit erratic. He seems cool and collected one moment and then the next he’s flying off the handle and going into the penalty box.

People who have seen the film know just how appropriate that comparison is.

Next: Scruffy Looking Nerf Herder

Han Solo – David Backes

The Captain of the Millennium Falcon is quite like the captain of the St. Louis Blues.

Clearly the first similarity has already been stated. They’re both the captain.

Han Solo was a general during the Galactic Civil War and David Backes has been a general on the ice for the St. Louis Blues for 10 seasons now.

Solo and Backes are both natural leaders, but not always keen to do so from the get go. They’re both on the front lines of the action as well. Solo has no problems navigating through treacherous asteroid fields and Backes has no problem banging his way to the front of the net for deflections and rebounds.

Both have a wry smile and a dry sense of humor, but know how to get the job done.

In addition, they’re both vets by now. Solo was the elder-statesman of the original trilogy and continued to be so in the new film. Similarly, Backes (regardless of age) has been somewhat of the vet.

When he came into the league, there were other players he could look to for help but he was quickly identified as the leader and has continued to do just that as his career has progressed and now he is the veteran leader in actuality instead of just philosophically.

Also, like the official story goes, both Solo and Backes don’t always shoot first. But that’s an argument for another time.

Next: A Walking Carpet

Chewbacca – Ryan Reaves

Chewbacca is one of the biggest fan-favorite characters in the entire saga, let alone just The Force Awakens. He was originally supposed to be a bit of a throwaway character.

The wookie was mainly put in the original films because George Lucas saw his large dog sitting shotgun in his car and thought the image of a furry being as a co-pilot would be interesting.

Chewbacca ended up being much more to the films and to fans. That’s why Ryan Reaves makes sense in this type of role.

Reaves was supposed to be just your typical throwaway fourth-line player. Just go out there, be physical, don’t make mistakes and get off the ice.

Instead, he’s become a fan-favorite due to his personality and his playing style.

Like everyone’s favorite wookie, he is mild mannered most of the time and even kind when the moment calls for it. Both are fiercely loyal to their friends/teammates as well.  There’s also a bit of humor to be found in both the “walking carpet” and the grinder.

Much like Chewbacca, Reaves is not one to be messed with once you get the temper flared either. They’re both incredibly strong and their roar is as strong as their bite.

Obviously rules don’t allow for it, but like wookies, it would not surprise me if Reaves pulled some arms out of their sockets given the opportunity.

Next: Captain Useless?

Captain Phasma – Patrik Berglund

Captain Phasma ended up being a rather controversial character in The Force Awakens. She was heavily hyped and marketed by the Disney/Lucasfilm team. However *spoiler alert* she wasn’t useful in the movie.

She only featured for maybe a minute total and basically did nothing. Due to all those factors she was dubbed by some as “Captain Useless.”

Personally, I liked the character and think she will be more useful in the future. But that statement right there has been fitting of how many view Patrik Berglund.

Like Phasma, Berglund has the look. He’s been featured in Blues’ media and marketing for years but never quite lived up to the hype in fans’ minds.

Like Phasma, clearly equipped with tools on her belt and the right weaponry, Berglund has all the tools to be successful. He’s got height, strength and skill. Like Phasma though he just hasn’t done much to this point.

Now, let it be said that he’s done more than this character did in the film, but perception is reality and the perception is that he isn’t there when the moment demands it.

Similarly, there are plenty of people who do like Berglund but it is mainly due to the hope they will fulfill the promise the character/player possess.

Only time will tell the end result for Phasma and Berglund, but as of right now they’ve been a bit of a let down. But hey, they look good in their uniforms.

Next: The Next Big Thing

Rey – Colton Parakyo

Now, before I get any stereotypical internet comments from trolls (because sadly the net was full of them for this film), this has nothing to do with the sex. I’m not comparing Colton Parayko to a woman. I’m saying the characteristics of he and Rey are similar.

Both Rey and Parayko pretty much came from nowhere. While Rey’s true past is unknown, she came from an obscure planet in the outer-rim called Jakku. Similarly, Parayko came from nowhere in terms of people knowing who is is and that he would be a good player. St. Albert is a suburb of Edmonton, so it’s not exactly the outer-rim but it’s not the most famous part of Alberta either.

Both are very talented and quite young. Rey’s age isn’t fully known but she’s probably close to the same age as Parakyo who is a young 22.

Rey ends up showing a mastery of the Force not usually associated with young people or those who have not had a lot of seasoning. Similary Parayko has shown a mastery of the game not usually associated with rookies or players who have not had much time in the AHL either.

Rey and Parayko figure to be focal points for the foreseeable future as well. Rey is most likely going to be the main character of at least this new trilogy. Parayko is likely going to be one of the top players for St. Louis on the blueline for years to come as well.

Despite the absurd claims that Rey is somewhat of a Mary-Sue character, which is dumb, she and Parayko are not without fault. Despite their clearly powers, both are a bit too polite at times and only when pushed to the brink do they unleash their fury.

Time will tell how good Parayko will be and how strong Rey will become, but for now they have both shown great ability and appear to be major players in the future.

Next: The Supreme Leader

Supreme Leader Snoke – Ken Hitchcock

The similarities here are fairly self evident. There aren’t a whole lot of physical similarities.

I suppose you can point to age. Snoke has clearly seen much of the galaxy and knows how the events of the Galactic Civil War played out.

Ken Hitchcock has seen much of the NHL, having coached four NHL teams as well as a lengthy career in the WHL and AAA hockey.

Both know how to get people to do their bidding and regardless of how fans or the galaxy feel about their methods, they work. They produce winners.

Snoke has managed to form a governing/military entity capable of ruling thousands and destroying billions. He has loyal followers that are at their peak powers when they utilize his training to the very letter. It is when his pupils and underlings stray from his path of darkness that they fail.

Hitchcock has formed teams capable of ruling the entire NHL. He guided the Dallas Stars to their first Stanley Cup, led the Flyers to the conference finals and even took the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets to the playoffs.

Similarly to Snoke, when players “buy in” to his system they succeed. Brett Hull was unable to win a Cup until he fell under the tutelage of Hitchcock. The Blues play at their best when they have played exactly the way Hitchcock always tells the media the team must play. It is when they stray from that path that they fail.

Also oddly similar are the pictures painted of the two. Snoke is presented as a powerful yet powerhungry leader. The same could be said of Hitchcock in terms of wanting to prove he has the power. If you believe rumors, it was the questioning of his leadership that sent Jaroslav Halak and TJ Oshie into the Junland Wastes…er I mean to other teams.

While Snoke is clearly a proponent of the dark side of the Force, only the players in the locker room know if their coach is truly a dark force. However, like Snoke, Hitchcock is not a true Sith. He is sometimes fueled by anger but he has tempered his rage with time.

Now, if we could somehow learn that Snoke likes to use the phrase “F— me” when anything goes wrong, then we’d have the ultimate comparison.

Next: Unexpected Hero

Finn – Robby Fabbri

Ok, I’ll be honest about this one. I really didn’t know how to go about Finn at first, so Fabbri might be a bit of a stretch.

For those of you that don’t know (and if you don’t know I’m quite shocked you kept reading this article) Finn started out as a stormtrooper and then went Benedict Arnold (yay! history!) on the First Order.

Unfortunately for the purposes of this article, outside of Troy Brouwer, there aren’t really any players that could be labeled a traitor. So, that part of the comparison went out the proverbial window.

Instead, let’s focus on Finn as a person. He ended up forming quick friendships with almost everyone he met. He started off rather shaky but ended up being a huge reason the Resistance won their fight in the film. He was injured toward the end of The Force Awakens and his fate is uncertain but still bright.

So, all of that pretty much fits Robby Fabbri.

He’s formed a quick bond with almost everyone he has played with. He has especially found his stride playing with the likes of Paul Stastny and Troy Brouwer. Much like Finn allowing Rey and Solo to get some of the spotlight while he goes about his business until he needs to shine, Fabbri does the same with his linemates.

Stastny and Brouwer draw the attention of the opponents with their puckhandling or physical play and that allows Fabbri to find space and focus on scoring when the team needs it most.

The fact that Fabbri got injured near the end of the season and his immediate future is uncertain can’t be ignored either.

Fabbri and Finn are both a lot of potential as player and character, but they promise to be ones we are going to continue to root for in the future. They also figure to be big players in their respective stories in the near future.

Next: The Best Pilot

Poe Dameron – Alexander Steen

This one might have been the easiest pick. The similarities abound. First, we’ll go physical.

Both are good looking by the standards of some. Both have that somewhat wry smile when they know what’s coming but their opponent does not.

Both have a bit of a large nose, though Alexander Steen might have the edge in that category. They’ve also got similar hair.

Granted, Steen’s is usually a bit lighter (and why wouldn’t it be since he’s got Swedish ancestry while Oscar Isaac is half Guatemalan), however both often have it in that semi-flowy style with quite a bit of wave to it.

Now, before I start to sound like Joan Rivers, let’s focus on the character. In the media, Steen comes off as rather quiet and even keeled. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Steen is rather brash and full of bravado. The same could be said of Poe Dameron.

He is the best pilot in the fleet (maybe the galaxy) and he knows it. Similarly, when Steen is on his game he knows how good he can be and isn’t afraid to show it.

Both are a little hot tempered as well. Right from the get-go, we see Poe foolishly attack Kylo Ren at the beginning of the film. When you’ve gotten under his collar, Steen is a bit of a hot head as well. He’s known for jabbing at players when provoked and engaging in stick battles at times too.

Both are fairly mouthy in addition. Poe keeps his banter rather light-hearted (mostly due to the PG-13 nature of films) but isn’t afraid to say his piece. Steen has had plenty of conversations with officials and players alike, much of which might push any film to a R-rating.

Steen isn’t the fastest or the best, but like Poe he is very good at what he does and exhibits functionality. Poe was a pilot, but not deterred when forced to get down and dirty with hand weapons. Steen is a scorer, but will mix things up and get physical when the situation calls for it.

Poe is good at slipping through the cracks in Starkiller base’s defenses and blowing up the enemy. Steen, for his part, is good at slipping up the wing and blowing up the opponent with a timely goal.

The future of both is a little cloudy. They could be key parts or fade into the background. Nevertheless, they’ve made an impact with their roles so far.

Next: The Ginger General

General Hux – Steve Ott

Steve Ott is a little more jovial than General Hux, but outside of that this is a pretty good fit.

From a physical standpoint, both have red hair (ok, Ott isn’t really a redhead but there’s plenty in that beard so go with it).

They’ve also got fiery tempers. General Hux gives an impassioned speech on the precipice of Starkiller base about the need to destroy their enemies and crush the Republic based on what they stand for.

While one would hope Ott’s political beliefs are not nearly as sadistic, he is known for his gift of gab. Usually Ott can be seen jawing with just about anyone on or off the ice. He’s not usually giving out his grandma’s cookie recipe either.

Both are very calculated in their actions as well. Despite the tempers and screaming, they rarely let themselves get out of control. It nothing else, they’re usually the ones to let others get all hot and lathered up.

Hux is a bit of a sneak as well. Despite holding the rank of general, he knows he is a bit of an underling to Kylo Ren. He is not beyond going behind Ren’s back and telling Snoke how things are, or at least how Hux believes they are.

Ott is somewhat of a sneak as well. Not nearly as weaselly, but Ott gets away with quite a bit when the officials are not looking. He’s not above doing a little something dastardly to achieve his goal.

Oddly enough, both men are quite principled and believe in their methods. Hux knows his way of doing things will bring order to a chaotic galaxy. Ott knows his way of doing things will throw his opponents off their game, making the goal of winning a game or eventually a championship that much more of a reality.

While Ott is not a general (or even captain for that matter), he gets people to follow him. He is charismatic, energetic and a presence.

It could also be said that if either one disappeared from their respective genres today, their loss would not be greatly felt. However, both could still have an impact on the future.

Next: This One's Strong in the Force

Luke Skywalker – Vladimir Tarasenko

To be honest, this one was a tiny bit of a reach if you look at The Force Awakens alone.

However, except the age thing, everything else fits. Vladimir Tarasenko came to America as a wide-eyed, unknowing prodigy who exhibited early talents but needed guidance.

Luke Skywalker came into the Star Wars universe as a wide-eyed moisture farmer, displaying early talents in controlling the Force but needing guidance.

While Tarasenko had some guidance, he didn’t really have an Obi-wan Kenobi. Still, like Skywalker, he honed his skills in a rather short amount of time and became a star at a still young age.

Luke took on his father, one of the most gifted swordsman in the galaxy, twice and ended up victorious in the end. Tarasenko has taken on some of the most gifted goaltenders of the day and come out victorious more times than not.

Luke ended up bringing peace to the galaxy by taking down the Empire (yes, I know Vader technically did). Tarasenko has brought peace to a fanbase that had been clamoring for a scorer since the days of the Old Republic…I mean since the days of Brett Hull.

Even from the looks department, they have similar attributes. The hair for sure is similar between young Luke and the current Tank.

There are few if any with the talents they both possess. Many will challenge them both, but few succeed in the end. The future of both remains a mystery but they both will alter the course of history.

Let’s just hope that Tarasenko doesn’t go hide on an island for 30 years.  We need him for the playoffs.

Next: Blues' Jerseys the Least Ugly?

Now that I’ve wasted your time, I hope you took a little bit of enjoyment from the list.  Are there any players you’d swap in there?  Let us know in the comments.

May the Force be with you and Let’s Go Blues!