Lawrence or Dean?

Scott A asks:

I have the 5th pick in my "C League Fantasy Hockey League" draft. In this league, you also get points for scoring on your own goalie. I am thinking of drafting Brad Dean or Brad Lawrence. Who is the better selection?

Wow, waiting until the 5th round to take Dean or Lawrence is a risky move?! My guess is that you've done your homework and realize that the rest of the players in your fantasy league are too dumb to realize what a great pick either Brad truly is.

Lawrence is a workhorse. Never misses a game or rests any shifts. Dean is a grinder and goes for every loose puck. I don't think you go wrong with either pick, however I would take one other factor into consideration. Who's your goalie? You mentioned you get points for scoring on your own netminder which is a great twist. Even though both Brads can equally score against their own team, the goalie you take will play a factor. Example: If you draft Bast, it won't matter who else you draft because Shane can't stop a shot (from the opposition or his own team).

Take a Barker or Brown, and either Brad will have a tougher time scoring against them. Brown would make it a bit easier as he spaces off a bit more than Barker.

So in the end, Dean or Lawrence are a solid pick in any round. Don't get snubbed and wait too long as some other goofball may take him a bit earlier.