A Nation's Passion

Leaf fans just can't win

2009-11-20T17:09:00.001-05:00

New study suggests fear, not expectation, of losing is what makes sports sizzle

Leafs now have a 1.7% chance to make the playoffs.

Brendan Shanahan retires from NHL

2009-11-17T15:54:00.005-05:00

“I would like to thank my family and all of the friends who have helped me achieve and maintain my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League”, said Shanahan in a released statement. “I am enormously grateful to all of my coaches and teammates I've had the privilege of learning from and playing along side of, throughout my career. While I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, I can't honestly say that I would have ever imagined that I'd be this fortunate and blessed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me fulfill this dream.”

He is the only player in NHL history to amass more than 2,000 penalty minutes and 600 goals and leads all NHL players with 17 “Gordie Howe” hat tricks.

He was a true warrior, one of the last of a dying breed.

Brett Hull on Peter Zezel

2009-11-17T10:51:00.003-05:00

"Peter was a special guy and I'd give back every goal I ever scored to have him with us today"

The Zezel comments starts around the 6:00 mark.

Going Toe-to-Toe With the Hammer

2009-11-17T10:47:00.002-05:00

FanHouse's Christopher Botta spoke with Flyers legend Dave Schultz before his induction Monday night into the Flyers Hall of Fame.

What was your best fight?
"Tough to say, but I had some classics with Keith Magnuson in Chicago."

Who were your toughest foes?
"Clark Gillies. When he hit you, it wasn't fun. And of course I have to say Terry O'Reilly. We fought eight times and each one was an epic."

Judge your O'Reilly fights.
"I'd say we each won four."

Gillies says you're good pals. True?
"Absolutely. When your careers are over, you meet guys like Clark and you realize you have a lot in common. We love to joke around and live life and have fun. We just never talk about the fighting. It took a little longer to bond with Terry, but we're buddies now, too. Hope to visit with him during the Winter Classic at Fenway."

Enjoy the Old Timers' Games?
"I did for a while. We had this one before a big crowd in Canada. Check out these two lines: Bob Bourne-Butch Goring-Clarkie and then Dave Semenko-Tiger Williams-me. What a blast we had."

How about being the villain?
"I really didn't think about it while it was going on. None of it was an act. I just wanted to stand up for my teammates and I'd do anything to win. It worked."

Ever get hurt?
"No. Well, okay ... once. Pierre Bouchard (of Montreal) surprised me, gave me a huge bomb to the side of my head. I don't think the fans or the announcers noticed it, but I was stunned. Probably a concussion in a day when they weren't diagnosed. Later on (linesman) John D'Amico came up to me and said, 'Schultzie, I have no idea how you stayed up after that one.' "

What's your take on NHL fighting today?
"Get rid of the instigator and I bet most of the players would be a lot more careful with those hits to the end. There are no consequences. And the equipment is out of hand. I want the guys to be protected, but the shoulder pads now are a joke. When I played, I wouldn't hit a guy with my shoulder. I would hurt my shoulder!"

Identity crisis: Toronto Maple Leafs should be meaner than junkyard dog

2009-11-17T10:43:00.001-05:00

"After 18 games, Toronto is looking more and more like an NHL pussycat"

Hard working, truculent, tough to play against, tough to score on. Nothing fancy, just a blue-collar hockey club that scrapes and claws and scratches out victories.

That is the kind of team the Toronto Maple Leafs need to be. And it is the type of team the Leafs players say they want to be.

But it is not who the Leafs are, not yet, not even close as their season teeters toward the 20-game mark. The quarter-pole in an NHL campaign is a tell-tale point when a general manager and a head coach can look at their club and say, with some conviction, this is our identity -- this is who we are.

Ron Wilson can't say who his Leafs are, or maybe he just doesn't want to say, although he does know what he wants them to be: hard to play against and ferocious on the forecheck. But after 18 games, Toronto is looking more and more like an NHL pussycat, with a 3-10-5 record and a dressing room full of players just as baffled as their coach by the ongoing identity crisis and the lack of results.

"I think we are searching for our identity," forward Jason Blake said yesterday.

There are some contradictory clues as to what the Leafs' true character might be. For evidence, we submit Saturday's 5-2 loss to Calgary at the Air Canada Centre.

The Leafs piled out of the dressing room like a band of drunken, drowsy sailors, falling behind 2-0 before many of the paying customers had taken their seats. It was a familiar pattern. Toronto has allowed the first goal 16 times this season, and spotted the opposition a pair of markers on nine occasions.

But just when things looked bleak and a blowout loomed, the Leafs abruptly sobered up, realized the hole they were in, and played their hearts out in an effort to climb out of it while out-shooting the Flames 30-15 over the final two periods.

The result: a moral victory. And another defeat, Toronto's third in a row.

"You fall asleep for five minutes against a good team and they are going to make you pay," forward Matt Stajan said. "All of us have to be stronger mentally. I think we just maybe squeeze our sticks too tight [at the start of a game]. We have to take it on ourselves and try something different mentally."

Perhaps hypnotism is the answer, or failing that, a visit with the team psychologist. Stajan insisted the Leafs have not lost hope, or their confidence. He says there is a belief in the dressing room that they are a good team, and just need to show it on a consistent basis, for 60 minutes a night.

"I don't think there is any doubt in here that we can be better," Stajan says. "We definitely haven't played our best, and we could say the bounces haven't gone our way, but that's hockey. We just got to find a way here to put this thing all together. We just haven't come together as a team yet."

And so the search to find the Maple Leaf identity goes on, as does a crisis that sees Toronto on pace for a 50-point season. But the players are not panicking. Maybe that's because while they may not know who they are, they do know a few things about what they are not.

"We are not the Detroit Red Wings," Blake said. "We don't have that skill. You know how they play. It is a keep-away fest out there for them. For us to win, we have to be good in all areas --we don't have to be great -- but we have to outwork them, outhit them, chip pucks in, use our speed on the forecheck and get to the net.

"We are not going to have any easy nights."

AHL: Marlies vs Heat Rivalry

2009-11-17T10:30:00.005-05:00

Oct 20
Penalties
1 - TOR Greenop, 2:21 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Grantham, 2:21 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Rogers, 2:27 - Interference , 2 min (PP)
1 - ABB Baldwin, 4:19 - Holding , 2 min (PP)
1 - TOR Evans, 17:37 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Murray, 17:37 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Hamilton, 18:07 - Instigating , 2 min
1 - TOR Hamilton, 18:07 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Hamilton, 18:07 - Misconduct - Instigating (47.10), 10 min
1 - ABB Cole, 18:07 - Cross-checking , 2 min
1 - ABB Cole, 18:07 - Fighting , 5 min
2 - TOR Hanson, 1:27 - Roughing , 2 min (PP)
2 - TOR Hanson, 1:27 - Fighting , 5 min
2 - ABB Armstrong, 1:27 - Fighting , 5 min
2 - TOR Evans, 6:10 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
2 - TOR Oreskovic, 11:25 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)
2 - TOR Hanson, 13:26 - Roughing , 2 min
2 - ABB Armstrong, 13:26 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - ABB Stuart, 2:10 - Roughing , 2 min (PP)
3 - TOR Oreskovic, 5:10 - Roughing , 2 min (PP)
3 - TOR Oreskovic, 5:10 - Fighting , 5 min
3 - ABB Grantham, 5:10 - Fighting , 5 min
3 - TOR Rogers, 8:44 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - TOR Rogers, 8:44 - Major - Interference (56.4), 5 min (2 PP)
3 - TOR Rogers, 8:44 - Game misconduct - Interference (56.5), 10 min
3 - ABB Van der Gulik, 8:44 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - ABB Armstrong, 9:52 - Boarding , 2 min
3 - ABB Cole, 19:13 - Holding , 2 min (PP)

Oct 21
Penalties
1 - TOR Evans, 3:14 - Slashing , 2 min (PP)
1 - TOR Greenop, 9:56 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Sutter, 9:56 - Roughing , 2 min (PP)
1 - ABB Watt, 9:56 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Vandermeer, 13:10 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
1 - TOR Hamilton, 16:53 - Roughing , 2 min
1 - TOR Hamilton, 16:53 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Baldwin, 16:53 - Roughing , 2 min
1 - ABB Baldwin, 16:53 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Berry, 17:54 - Instigating , 2 min (PP)
1 - TOR Berry, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Berry, 17:54 - Misconduct - Instigating (47.10), 10 min
1 - TOR Evans, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Evans, 17:54 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation (47.6), 10 min
1 - TOR Scott, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Scott, 17:54 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation (47.6), 10 min
1 - ABB Carpentier, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Carpentier, 17:54 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation (47.6), 10 min
1 - ABB Chucko, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - ABB Chucko, 17:54 - Game misconduct - Secondary altercation (47.6), 10 min
1 - ABB Palin, 17:54 - Fighting , 5 min
1 - TOR Perry, 18:49 - Delay of game , 2 min (PP)
1 - TOR Munro, 19:59 - Roughing , 2 min
1 - ABB Jaffray, 19:59 - Roughing , 2 min
2 - ABB Palin, 6:01 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
2 - TOR Rogers, 13:51 - Roughing , 2 min
2 - ABB Palin, 13:51 - Roughing , 2 min (PP)
2 - ABB Palin, 13:51 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - ABB Vandermeer, 0:16 - Cross-checking , 2 min (PP)
3 - TOR Tlusty, 2:56 - Holding , 2 min (PP)
3 - TOR Rogers, 5:19 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
3 - ABB Negrin, 17:40 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)

Now That's A Heated Rivalry

Well folks, there is no mistaking the fact that the Marlies and Abbotsford Heat are in the same division, and will be battling for important points all year. The series started off in a big way with six more meetings still to come. Over 240 penalty minutes, 20 fighting majors and four ejections were handed out in the first two games between the squads this week. Hard to believe from a Flames affiliate that has spent the last few years in the West Division in either Quad City or Omaha, and having Toronto only see them twice a year.

You had to know things were going to get a little rougher in the second game with a few line-up changes on the Heat end of things. This is going to be one heck of a season series between the two teams, and I'd be ordering my tickets right now for the four games that Abbotsford will play in Toronto at Ricoh Coliseum. These two games were as physical as you'll see in the regular season. The first game featured a highlight reel of crunching body checks that would make Grapes himself proud. Then, an old fashioned line brawl in the second game, just for good measure. Don't be fooled, the hockey was pretty good too. That's the kind of intensity you love to see in a regular season game though, as it makes you crave a playoff spot even more.

Marlies out-muscle Heat

"They came out hitting, and we didn't answer them," Heat winger David Van der Gulik said afterward. "We played like boys tonight, and they were a team of men."

In the third period, Marlies defenceman Andy Rogers earned a one-way ticket to the showers after crushing Heat centre Jason Jaffray into the side boards long after the puck had left the vicinity. Rogers was assessed a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct.

In the melee immediately after the hit, Van der Gulik – all five-foot-11, 185 pounds of him – launched himself into the six-foot-five, 225-pound Rogers.

"It was a dirty hit," Van der Gulik explained. "I'm not much, but I tried to knock him over and show him that if you do that, you have to answer to someone."

Abbotsford ices physical lineup, gets revenge with win over Marlies

A Night After Being Outmuscled The Toronto Marlies At Home, The Abbotsford Heat Turned The Tables On Their Guests.

Recent Call-Up J.D. Watt Followed A Fight With His First American Hockey League Goal As The Heat Downed The Marlies 5-3 On Wednesday.

Watt Was A Presence Both Physically And Offensively As The Heat Dressed A More Physical Line-Up To Matching The Marlies' Intensity From Tuesday's Game, Won Toronto 3-1.

Watt, Who Was Called Up Overnight, Dropped The Gloves With Richard Greenop In The First Period Before Scoring To Give The Heat A 2-1 Lead After 20 Minutes.

"I Found Out At 12:30 Last Night," Said Watt Of The Call-Up. "So It Was A Quick Turn-Around. (Heat Coach Jim Playfair) Just Told Me That I Had To Be A Big Part In Tonight's Game And Help These Guys Out.

Watt a bright light for Heat

When J.D. Watt was inserted into the Abbotsford Heat lineup on Wednesday night, he was expected to boost his team's toughness quotient against a pugnacious Toronto Marlies squad.

He did that, and much more.

"It was nice to get the goal, but even better to get the assist and the fight," he said with a grin afterward. "I'm not going to be a goal-scorer in this league, so I've got to stick to my game, and part of that's fighting."

Getting To Know: Colton Orr

2009-11-16T11:52:00.002-05:00

The Hockey News presents, Getting To Know: Colton Orr

Childhood Heroes/Inspirations: "Brendan Shanahan was one. Eric Lindros. Those are probably the guys I watched growing up. It was a pleasure to get to play with Shanahan in New York."

Nicknames: "Bobby, Orrsey, Moose."

Hobbies/Leisure Activities: "I like golf. Draw. I like to draw animals – tigers, lions, stuff like that. A little hobby of mine."

Favorite Movies: "The Program. Gladiator. All those medieval times movies are great. Braveheart."

Favorite TV Shows: "Simpsons and Family Guy."

Musical Tastes: "I'm all over the place, Top 40. (Some names?) Well, back in Winnipeg, The Harlots. R&B, rock and classic rock."

First Hockey Memory: "I didn't start until age 11. I remember always hitting guys because I couldn't stop so I'd either use the guys or the boards to turn around."

First Job: "I was a bricklayer, laborer (age 14-15)."

First Car: "1989 Cavalier Z24, blue."

Favorite Meal: "Pasta, mushrooms and chicken."

Favorite Breakfast: "Frosted Flakes is the favorite."

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: "Strawberry."

Pre-game Feeling: "Calm, just relaxed. Go into things that I'm going to do out there. Not too much. Just kind of keep it quiet. Keep to myself."

Greatest Sports Moment: "Playing in the NHL. Playing with some great players like Shanahan, (Brian) Leetch, (Jaromir) Jagr, so many. It's just been a dream come true since I've been here."

Most Painful Moment: "(Laughs)...being eye-gouged."

Favorite Uniforms: "Any of the Original Six. I like the old ones that didn't change it up."

Closest Hockey Friends: "Brad Boyes."

Funniest Players Encountered: "Darius Kasparaitis is the funniest. He's a character that guy."

Toughest Competitors: "There's a lot. (Donald) Brashear – he's strong. And (Georges) Laraque. Some of those guys."

Embarrassing Hockey Moment: "Going to the wrong penalty box. It was in junior. I got traded from a team – I was playing for Regina. We went back to Kamloops, the team I used to play for. After a penalty I went to their box – Kamloops' box – where I used to play."

Favorite Vacation Spot: "Hawaii."

Personality Qualities Most Admired: "Honesty."

will be back

2009-11-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

Went on vacation and haven't had much time, will be back...

Leafs sign Francois Bouchemin

2009-07-06T17:28:00.002-04:00

Leafs sign veteran Beauchemin

First and foremost we needed to make ourself bigger and change the tenor of our team,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson said today of the Leafs bolstered blueline. “People are already thinking, ‘boy you go across the blueline against the Leafs and this is a big defence and getting bigger.’

“That’s going to create some more room for our skilled forwards up front."

Domi, Probert: Battle of the Blades

2009-07-03T20:29:00.004-04:00

Battle of the Blades

"They want us to wear figure skates, with the toe picks," said Probert. "That's going to be tough to get used to."

"I heard Tie Domi was in it. Now we'll be battling in another arena," chuckled Probert, a former Red Wing who had some legendary scraps with Domi, the former Leaf, back in the day.

Ex-Oilers featured in figure-skating faceoff

NHLers McDonald, Domi, Probert to pair up with figure skaters for CBC reality show

Former NHL heavyweights Lanny McDonald, Glenn Anderson, Tie Domi and Bob Probert are among the hockey stars who have signed up for an elimination-style reality series that will pair them with female figure skaters.

The CBC's seven-week series will also feature "Hockey Night in Canada" analyst Craig Simpson and two-time Stanley Cup-winner Stephane Richer.

The broadcaster says the hockey stars will be paired with some of Canada's top female figure skaters in a showdown that begins in October.

The female figure skaters have yet to be chosen.

"Hockey Night in Canada"'s Ron MacLean and figure skating champ Kurt Browning will host the seven-week series.

"Battle of the Blades" is set to anchor a fall lineup on CBC that includes the new comedy "18 to Life, about teenage newlyweds, and "The Republic of Doyle, about a father-son team of private investigators.

Dany Heatley

2009-07-02T20:56:00.005-04:00

This is all I have to say about him. Oh, and note to future teammates, don't let him give you a ride.
heatley-right-for-you.mp3

Mike Komisarek

2009-07-02T19:33:00.008-04:00

This will make the Boston games that much better. But with Orr having his back, how will Lucic react? These two guys hate each other, with a passion. They fought 3 times last season alone. Thornton and Orr have some history as well.

Some Habs fans figured they just let their future captain go. I'm not so sure about that.

"Would like to thank the Montreal Canadiens organization and the Toronto Maple Leafs for a new start! Merci!" Komisarek, 27, said via his Twitter account.

Komisarek's phone started ringing the moment free agency kicked off at noon.

"We talked to a number of teams and we whittled it down to the market place that made the most sense," Matt Keator, Komisarek's agent, explained. "To go to an Original Six team, in a city that has so much passion, was attractive."

So, too, was the fact that Komisarek has dealt with Burke, the general manager of Team USA, as the 2010 Vancouver games approach.

Welcome to Toronto Mike!

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Richard Greenop

2009-07-02T19:19:00.008-04:00

After getting the invite to camp, looks like Burke went ahead and signed him anyways.

On the first day of free agency, Richard Greenop wasn't worried about being a big name.

The important thing was getting a contract and after three seasons with the Windsor Spitfires, the 20-year-old Greenop inked a three-year free agent deal with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday.

"It's probably one of the best situations," the six-foot-four, 235-pound Greenop said. "It's a team that's close to home and I grew up watching them."

Odds are this is a Marlies signing, but like I said, he can REALLY throw them. Chicago didn't want him, so thank you very much Bowman :)

Here he is going T2T with Leafs pick Jamie Devane. You can see his fight card here.

XLB

2009-07-02T19:05:00.006-04:00

Garnet Exelby, known as XLB, as the fans will chant. This guy hits anything that moves. Sometimes he should drop the gloves more, but he can change the momentum of the game at any time with a brutal body check.

Mats Sundin anyone?

Perhaps some Domi?

How about some Satan?

Prucha? Best part is, we also got Orr, who comes to the rescue.

And if you are still hungry...

I guess the icing on the cake is, we also got Stuart. He is very fast and agile. He was a great penalty killer, and from what I have read, a very solid character guy.

Leafs sign Colton Orr

2009-07-01T13:39:00.013-04:00

We got the best free agent enforcer available. He hit's hard, very hard. The most exciting fighter in the league. I hate to say it, but he will make you almost forget about Belak.

"To be a Leaf is like a dream come true," - Orr.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283424

The Toronto Maple Leafs have dipped in the free agent market signing forward Colton Orr to a four-year contract worth $4 million.

Orr, 27, played the last four seasons with the New York Rangers and tallied five points and 193 penalty minutes last season.

The 6-3, 220-pound winger has skated in 245 career NHL games with the Rangers and Boston Bruins, registering 11 points and 549 penalty minutes.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba was originally signed by the Boston Bruins as a free agent in 2001. He was claimed off waivers by the Rangers in 2005.

Some comments from Rags fans over the signing;

"great signing, a lot of "ranger fans" that aren't into the fighting aspect of the game and just look at stats don't know anything about colton orr... his game and skating ability progressed so much over the time with the rangers. Hes well worth 1 million a year. We just don't have as much cap space to throw a million at a fighter. I would of wanted to keep him but if we could sign a heavy at league min with a one year deal then im for it. Justin Soryal will have a shot at the big club next year. Congrats Leaf Fans you just got your self one of or the best enforcer in the league." - papas1175

"Burke is true to his word in when he said the leafs are going to be alot tougher by next season. And he didnt waste any time in this huge step to that toughness in signing an elite top 5 heavyweight.

I wouldn't be suprised by fall that the leafs will be known as one of the toughest teams in the league. Opponent fighters/hitters will not be running at Schenn with reckless abandonment this upcoming season. Although the price for Orr is higher then expected, nonetheless an awesome signing for the leafs." - Elite Warrior

Get your Orr jerseys now, and let the cat smashing begin!

Sedins Re-Sign for 5 years

2009-07-01T11:43:00.013-04:00

"Daniel and Henrik Sedin are this club's offensive leaders and players we want to build around," said general manager Mike Gillis in a statement. "Their level of performance in every area of the game is exceptional; both Daniel and Henrik are committed to winning and we want them to succeed as Vancouver Canucks."

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283415
You can score all the points you want in the regular season, but they have to show up where it counts.

Leafs Announce Prospect Camp Roster

2009-06-30T21:34:00.008-04:00

"The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that the team’s prospect camp will be held from July 5th to July 10th. The group consisting of two goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 14 forwards will congregate in Toronto to prepare for six days of activities. All seven of the Leafs’ 2009 draft choices, including Toronto’s first pick Nazem Kadri, will be in attendance."

Jesse Blacker D Windsor (OHL)
Tyler Bozak F Denver (WCHA)
Benedickt Brueckner D Heillbronn (GER-2)
Jerry D’Amigo F USA U-18 (USDP)
Jamie Devane F Plymouth (OHL)
Jerome Flaake F Cologne (DEL)
Richard Greenop F Windsor (OHL)
Carl Gunnarsson D Linkoping HC (SEL)
Christian Hanson F Toronto (NHL) /Notre Dame (CCHA)
Jimmy Hayes F Boston College (HE)
Nazem Kadri F London (OHL)
Eric Knodel D Philadelphia Flyers Jr. (USMAAA)
Simon Lacroix D Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Brandon Manning D Chilliwack (WHL)
Juraj Mikus D Dukla Trencin (Slovak)
Egor Mironov F Niagara University (CHA)
James Reimer G Toronto (AHL) / SC/Reading (ECHL)
Adrian Robertson D Peterborough (OHL)
Grant Rollheiser G Boston University (HE)
Ken Ryan F USA U-18 (USDP)
Greg Scott F Seattle (WHL)
Robert Slaney F Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Barron Smith D Peterborough (OHL)
Mikhail Stefanovich F Quebec (QMJHL)
Ben Winnett F Michigan (CCHA

There are some tough guys in this group that should make for an exciting camp.

Watch for Greenop, this guy can really throw em. He has a few TKO's on his card, and only lost 3 fights out of 21 last season. Here is a close battle against Leafs pick Jamie Devane.

The Pronger Trade

2009-06-27T21:02:00.006-04:00

Pronger and Ryan Dingle (who?) for 4 first round picks. Lupul and Sbisa being two of them, a first round this year, and next year, and a conditional third rounder.

We all know that Pronger is a mean nasty guy back there, and in today's game is arguably the true definition of a defenseman.

Pronger is the perfect fit for Philly, he's just their type of player, it's where he belongs. Pronger only has one more year left on his contract, but is seeking an extension. Some Flyers fans have said this instantly makes them cup contenders, and that the powers have shifted in the East. Well guess what? They still need a goalie!

This trade makes Murray look like a genius. Not only does he get to shed salary, he also gets a decent player in Lupul (who was already traded for Pronger once), gets the Flyers top defenseman prospect in Sbisa, and TWO first round picks (still baffling). This also enables the Ducks to resign Scott Niedermayer and Selanne, who stated he is returning.

However if the Flyers win the cup, it will be worth it.

Q & A - Wade Belak

2009-06-27T16:09:00.018-04:00

Here is a great interview done by R. J. Jones. I will have more of his interviews soon.

Describe the type of defenseman you were during your WHL years?

Because of my size, I would consider myself a big physical defenseman. I would use my size to clear the net. It was really difficult for anyone to try to move me. I was able to fight and stand up for my teammates-provide that toughness.

What was it like being Todd Simpsons defense-partner when you were in Saskatoon?

Todd was great. He was a 20 year old over age player during my first year. Being paired with him helped me a lot. He was a big strong stay at home defenseman who could also fight. We worked well together. He was a great leader for our team and for myself. Getting a chance to play with him in Calgary also really helped. He was an all around good guy to learn from.

Describe the 7-game series Saskatoon had with Kamloops in the WHL final during the 93-94 season?

It was a lot of travel. We had a great team the year before. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, as Kamloops also had a great team. We were down 3 games to 1, and we came back home to win game 5, then won game 6 there in overtime. In game 7, we completely shut down, losing 8-1. Kamloops went on to win the Memorial Cup. We had a good enough team to beat them, but we didn’t show up in the last game. They took it too us in the end. It would have been nice to win the Memorial Cup. I was fortunate to win the Calder Cup during my first year with Hershey. Obviously, my next goal is too win the Stanley Cup. So, it would have been great to win a championship at every level.

Many would describe the WHL as a defense-first league, as well as it's known for its rough and tumble style. I often read the QMJHL is known for breeding the best goalies and scorers and their wide-open style, and the OHL is touted as being somewhere in the middle of both. What were the major similarities and differences between the 3 Major Junior leagues during the time when you played?

I think back when I played, the WHL was the toughest of the 3 leagues. I think the NHL scouts looked at WHL players more because of the travel involved. We were playing teams that were 14-15 hours away. In Ontario, they would maybe have a 3 hour or less bus ride. Combined with school, the wear and tear on your body, I think it was a tougher league. The QMJHL are known for their goalies, but I’m not sure why. If I had to chose the better league, I would choose the WHL. Between the travel and school, it really takes a physical and mental toll on your body. If you’re playing Saskatoon or Brandon, you taking 15 hour bus trips, and you’re out West for 2 weeks. Your school work suffers. It’s just not hockey you have to worry about. It was very easy to fall way behind in your school work. Keeping up with your studies was a huge adjustment.

Who do you believe were the toughest guys you fought or played with during your WHL days?

I think Rhett Trombley on our team stands out as a very tough player on our team. Brantt Myhres also. I never fought Brant in the WHL, but he was a very tough guy back then.

Do you have any rivalries in the minors that stick in your memory?

During my first year in Hershey, that’s when Philadelphia changed their affiliation with Hershey, and the Phantoms became a team. Playing them became a huge rivalry. It seemed like everytime we played each other, a brawl was a sure thing! There was always 6 on 6 line brawls, especially in Philadelphia in the old Spectrum. He Phantoms had toughguys like Frank Bialowas. Their whole team had a lot of guys who were willing to fight. Even their goalies. We played those guys 10 times a year, plus the exhibition games. Every game was a fight filled event. We beat them in the 2nd round of the playoffs to advance to the semi-finals. They were the favorite to win. So, beating them was great.

You were a first round draft pick by the Nordiques in 1994. What was going through your mind?

I didn’t expect to get drafted by the Nordiques. It was a definite shocker. I was really excited. At that time, Quebec traded Matt Sundin to the Leafs in exchange for Wendel Clark and some other players. That made a big splash that day in the draft. I knew I was going to a good team. A few years later, Colorado won the Stanley Cup. I was definitely happy.

After you were drafted, you played one more year in Saskatoon?

I wasn’t ready to play in the NHL. You had to be 20 years old to play in the minors. So, I decided to play my 18-19 year old season in Saskatoon. At that time, I was solely a defenseman. Quebec was really deep with blue liners. There was no way I was going to make that line-up. I knew it was going to be a learning process. I played in Hershey and battled through some injuries.

You had 2 exhibition contests versus Matt Johnson and Sandy McCarthy with the 96-97 Avalanche. If you remember, what was it like getting an opportunity fighting 2 well-reputed heavy-weights?

It was a cool experience. When I fought McCarthy, I had stitches in my hands from a previous fight. We were 2 strong tough guys. I was trying to make an impression with Colorado, showing them I can do my job. I was fortunate to get the opportunity.

Did you learn from this experience, and use it as a tool/reference toward your role?

I never really took much from the fights I had. No one really taught me how to fight. It was basically on the job training. I just went at it and fought. I didn’t learn until I went to Toronto and worked with Tie Domi. Up until then, I just went in there and threw, hoping not to get hit. I don’t know if I learned anything from fighting McCarthy and Johnson, other than not to get hit!

When you got to the NHL, which fights or fights gave you some notice among your coaches or teammates?

During my second year of pro, (98-99) Colorado was going to send me down. I did everything in my power to stay up. I fought everybody. The Coaching staff wanted me there, but they knew it was in my best interest to go down. They were happy with the fact I was fighting and I was proving to them I could be a future heavy weight in the league. They knew I was committed to working hard and sticking up for my teammates.

Many young players come into training camp seem to look to take on the toughest veteran to make an impression. Was that true for yourself?

Back then, I was the guy usually going after the heavy weights. Being on the other end during these exhibition games, there was always guys coming up from juniors and the minors trying to show the team and management they can do the job. As a veteran toughguy who has a secure job, I wasn’t one to fight these guys to help them get a job. I want them to earn it, and I don’t think it should be that easy. Why help some kid get a job? Make him earn it in the minors, just like I did. It’s also a long season, so I also looked at it as I was saving wear and tear on myself. Guys trying to prove themselves during training camp still happens often. That hasn’t changed.

That same season, you accumulated 320 PIMs as a Hershey Bear. Was this when you finally realized fighting was going have to be a permanent part of your game?

I knew fighting had to be part of my game back in Junior. I was drafted partly because I could play as a solid stay-at-home defenseman and I was tough. But, fighting completed the whole package. The Coach needed to me to protect the skilled guys. I was really the only toughguy in Hershey that season. We had some other guys, but most of them were injured throughout that season. A lot of the work was on my shoulders. Getting 320 minutes wasn’t surprising. I knew the only way I was going to stay in the league was by playing tough and protecting my teammates.

Who assisted you when you recorded your first NHL goal? Goalies name?

I was with the Avalanche. I was playing on a line with Joe Sakic and Adam Deadmarsh. They both got the assists. I scored on Olaf Kolzig.

Describe what is what like being on the same team with Tie Domi and being with someone to share the workload?

Tie was great with me. He showed me a few things about fighting. I didn’t have the best of balance. A lot of guys don’t think about balance. They just go in and start throwing punches. He showed me things like leg and feet positioning, along with bending my knees. It made a big difference. Before, I fell down after only throwing a few punches. Now, I was able to stand in there. That’s where a lot of your power comes from-keeping your balance while on your skates. Sharing the workload was also great. We played 4 years together. I’m sure it wasn’t fun for the teams that were playing against us back then.

Tie really liked using that spin cycle, didn’t he?

It was very effective for Tie. It was a good method to constantly try to get guys off balance to get the upper hand.

Pound for pound, I believe Tie was the toughest guy around. He went with everyone.

For sure, I believe he was the toughest. He was like a little pitbull.

How difficult was it in transitioning from playing as a defenseman to forward?

I started playing forward when I was in Colorado. At that time, we had 9 defenseman. The team wanted to keep me, Cam Russell, Aaron Miller, and John Klemm were all rotating in on forward. We were so deep on defenseman that the team didn’t want to send anyone down. They rotated us all on forward. And it turned out we can get the job done. When I went to Calgary, I played mostly defense. I was rotated in as a forward for a few games. When I with the Leafs, I played a few years as a defenseman. The team heard how I played up when I was with Colorado. Toronto was also rather deep with defenseman. The only way I was going to stay around was if I was able to be a swingman. They already had their toughguy with Tie Domi. I showed Pat Quinn I could play both positions and I wasn’t a liability on the ice. That’s how I stayed in Toronto for so long.

Describe what it was like playing in England for the Coventry Blaze?

It was a great experience. I’m glad I did it. The was a lot of pressure of playing NHL hockey. Especially playing in Toronto. You had the fans and the media. The hockey in Coventry wasn’t NHL caliber, but I was able to play my natural position as a defenseman. I logged a lot of ice time. I played on the power play and penalty kill. It helped with my confidence. I was averaging 30+ minutes in Coventry where 8 minutes was my NHL average. It was a lot of fun. We played 2 games a week, and practiced 3 times a week. The Coach was unbelievable. He basically let me do whatever I wanted. It was a great way to spend time during the lock out.

Some players seem discontent with the role as their career progresses. Do you feel yourself heading toward that direction?

I knew the only way I was going to stay in the league was by playing physical and being a leader on the team. Certain enforcers just stop fighting and they’re done with it. If you don’t have anything else to bring to the table, then it’s tougher for the team to keep you around. I’m going to keep doing my job as long as it permits me. I know I’m on my way down, and I’ve been fortunate to play as many years as I have. I never would have thought I would be playing 13 years of pro hockey. It’s been amazing.

You sustained a broken nose in a fight with the Bruins' Colton Orr back in 2005. Did that particular injury change your strategy in how you fought?

It was a battle scar. I never knew who he was until we fought after the face off. It happens. You get hit. It doesn’t mean you lost the fight. It’s all cosmetic anyways! It was a lucky punch. Sometimes, you get hit, cut and you bleed.

Of all the players you fought, name a few who you feel is viewed as under-rated in overall toughness, technical standpoints, and hockey skills?

I don’t think there are too many players who are under rated anymore. There’s so much coverage and there really isn’t any category you could place them. Pound for pound, Cam Janssen is one of the tougher guys. He hits, skates well, and he has amazing stamina. Georges Laraque, Brashear, and Derek Boogaard are up there. Eric Godard gets a lot of respect now. When he came into the league with the Islanders, he wasn’t given much respect. The last few seasons, he’s really grown into that role and gets a lot of respect. He was definitely under rated during his early NHL years.

Is there any one aspect of your game that you've been trying to improve or that you feel you need to improve?

I’m always trying to improve. As I get older, part of my game begin to deteriorate. I work on trying to become quicker on the ice. I work on my stick/puck handling. Your hands and wrists get beat up over the years being a fighter. Stick handling really suffers. I have to find ways to get around that. I work on my speed and strength so I’m not so easily knocked off the puck when I’m skating with it.

What really gets under your skin and makes you really want to drop the gloves?

Getting cross-checked repeatedly in the lower back while standing in front of the net. Even now, they’re supposed to call that. Before the lock out, a defenseman was able to stand there, and you were able to cross check a guy-everyone was fair game. Officials make those calls on the smaller skilled guys. When the 4th line guys are out there, the refs sometimes turn their back. That really upsets me. The guys in my position don’t draw a lot of penalties and the ref just expects us to be able to take it. I don’t care how big or small you are, it still hurts the same way. If it’s part of the rules, then call it. That’s probably the most frustrating thing is you definitely don’t get the calls other players would.

Consistent officiating has and always will be an issue. Especially during the playoffs. Do you agree?

Yes. They make the calls based on who is out on the ice. The league will say it’s fair for everyone. All the players know that it’s not. They put different guys in different categories. Look at the playoffs as far as suspensions. You look at what Cammalleri did off the faceoff (forearm/elbow to Martin Havlats head). He didn’t get a suspension. Malkin fighting Zetterberg warranted a suspension. Instigator in the last 5 mins of the game. They’re not going to suspend Malkin. It would have been 2 toughguys, they both would have been gone. That’s just the way it is. It’s unfortunate. Those players are the guys most fans of the NHL want to see. So, they’re not going to penalize those guys for doing that. Last year, Chris Pronger wasn’t going to get suspended until TSN made a big deal out of it for stomping Keslers leg.

Leaving the Leafs was probably one the hardest adjustments you had to make in your career. When you look at it now and where you ended up, was it, overall, beneficial to you as a player?

It was one of the hardest adjustments career-wise. It was something I didn’t want to do. My contract was up at end of the year. The coach wasn’t playing me. Maybe I could have signed for less money. Instead, I asked to trade. I wanted to go somewhere where I could play. It worked out. I was traded to Florida. I played the last 17 games of the season. I was rewarded with a 2- year deal with more money. That’s the way the business is. From day 1, Florida wasn’t a good fit for me. My playing time was slowly dwindling. This goes back to those types of coaches who only use role players specifically. You’re pegged as a certain kind of player, and you’re not getting any more ice time than any other 4th line guy. I was pegged as a tough guy, and I was limited. I wasn’t being used at the right times on the game. We would be getting kicked around the ice and we needed a momentum change. I would never get thrown out there against the teams opposite tough guy to try to get things going. They were unhappy because I wasn’t doing my job and I wasn’t happy because I was out there to do my job. I was traded to Nashville where I was used and played. When I dressed, I played.

Name a few Coaches who were major influences to regards to personal and professional aspects of your career?

Pat Quinn was the best coach I had during my career. He’s a great man, and he’s a very knowledgeable and a fair coach. Many coaches had a strict system in place where role players were specifically used. Pat just let you play and gave everyone a chance. He rewarded players with ice time. Regardless of you were 3rd or 4th line, you were playing a lot if you were playing well. If you were a first line guy who played on the power play in the minors, you were playing on the power play when you were called up to play in Toronto. He gave guys chances to play. Many coaches are scared to play guys who are labeled, like a 4th line grinder. Most of those guys are played with limited ice time. Pat wasn’t like that. A perfect example is Tie Domi. Tie went from playing on the 4th line to virtually all lines. It all depended upon how well he was playing. Tie was used a lot on the first line in the playoffs against Ottawa. Pat did the same thing with me one year. I played on the first line against Philadelphia. Pat was great when it came to that aspect. He was a great person. When you’re a good person, you become a good coach. Missing the playoffs by 1 point got Pat fired. That was very unfortunate. I’m glad to see him get hired in Edmonton.

Name a few defensive partners and forward line-mates who you credit for helping you better your game and who you learned the most from?

When I was a defenseman in Colorado, Patrick Roy was guy I actually learned a lot from. As a defenseman, he instructed us in what he wanted. What he wanted as far as setting up in the defensive zone. He was a great coach. As a young defenseman, I learned a lot from Roy in how to become a better dman. I learned to expect what a goalie wants as far as taking the right guy. He was very vocal about that. He helped us, and myself a lot.

Describe the feeling of getting the better of your opponent after a fight on your home turf?
The home crowd, your teammates and the electricity in the air all directed toward you-that has to be a feeling that you never get tired of experiencing?

Toronto was where I experienced this the most. Of all the teams I played for, Toronto was the best in this regard. I had a good connection with the fans, and they appreciated what I did. Once Tie retired, everyone really jumped on board. It’s a great feeling to hear 19,000 people chant your name after a fight. It’s a feeling I never had and won’t get anywhere else.

Can you give name some scraps during your career in which you wish you had a rematch or one more crack at?

Not really. I got back at everyone that I ever wanted another shot at. It’s tough to fight just for the sake of fighting. It’s a lot easier to fight when you’re angry and have motivation.

What’s your opinion regarding new proposed rule regarding “staged fights?”

It’s out of my hands. I’m sure the committee will take a strong look at it. I see an easy way around it anyways. Drop the puck, skate around for 10 seconds, then fight.

What are your thoughts regarding the instigator rule?

They should get rid of it. It’s not needed. Our game isn’t the way it used to be, like back in the 70’s with the bench clearing brawls. You get rid of the instigator, you also get rid of all the cheap shots. The rule protects guys like Hollweg and Avery, and all the other rats that stick you, run you, play dirty and give cheap shots. They’re not going to fight guys like myself or Derek Boogaard. All they will do is turtle. Not having the rule will hold guys like that more accountable. If you’re going to play that way, then I think there should be something you have to answer too.

Which player or players do you consider to be the "best pest"? Who did you hate playing against the most?

I don’t have a lot of respect for guys who sit and chirp, and don’t act upon it. I think a good agitator is someone who really gets under your skin and is a good teammate. But, they’re a good person off the ice. I wouldn’t consider Sean Avery a agitator. He’s a sad excuse for someone trying to be something else. Darcy Tucker was great at it, and we respected him.

Favorite kind of music?

I love Metal. I grew up listening to Motley Crue and Metallica. As long as it’s not country.

Favorite Movie or movies?

Braveheart and The ShawShank Redemption.

Wade Belak TKO's Donald Brashear. Fletcher never should have traded him away.

Leafs pick Nazim Kadri #7 overall

2009-06-27T12:08:00.021-04:00

Well there were 4 players that I hoped the Leafs were going to draft. Schenn, Cowen, Kadri or Kane. I thought they were going to draft Cowen. Kadri did outplay Tavares in the playoffs, and was excellent at the WJC. Even though he grew up a Habs fan, it's nice to seem some "local" talent.

Aside from Schenn, looks like Burke got his man.
Burke says Kadri was always his top pick

'He’s intense and they like his physical play even though he’s not that big guy,' Leafs GM says

The best part about it is sticking it to the Sens. Watch the 2 minute mark of the video. :)