RECH-QUISITION OF A HEAVYWEIGHT: Addressing some tough Qs, like what happened with Laraque
Joel Rechlicz is currently the only potential fourth-line enforcer on the Islanders’ roster. Unlike several teams in the East, the Islanders have not added one. Rechlicz was a healthy scratch in games in Bridgeport last season. Nevertheless, the signs point towards the Islanders giving the 6-4, 220-pound forward every chance to make the team. I like Joel. Great energy, huge heart, fantastic Rockyesque story. But I’ve written that it seems pretty obvious he needs to do a lot more in the pros to make it to the NHL, and I didn’t want to be a phony about it. So I sat down with him today after the scrimmage.
Do you think the enforcer’s job on the Islanders is yours?
I don’t know about that. I just know I’m very serious about making the Islanders next season. Very serious. I want to be there all season. I want the job, and I’m going to do everything I can to put myself in the best position to win it.
Garth Snow has yet to add another tough guy to the roster this off-season. Has he told you the job is yours?
I don’t want to get into what management tells me. I’ll just say they’ve been supportive, and it’s been great to have someone I respect as much as Eric Cairns giving me guidance. They wanted me to come down for this July camp and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I know they believe in me.
I’ve written that my concern is, just as you wouldn’t rush a skilled defenseman like Calvin de Haan, there’s no reason why the Islanders should rush an enforcer. You haven’t played a lot of pro. You were a scratch for games in Bridgeport.
I can respect your view. That’s okay. You see me more as a player and I appreciate that. I’m just looking forward and preparing like I can win a spot on the Islanders this year. I don’t want anyone to take my job. If I don’t make it, I’m gonna go down swinging.
From the looks of it at this camp, you’ve been on the ice a lot since the end of the season.
I have. I’m working on the fighting, of course, but I’m really trying to improve all of my skill sets. I’m skating, working on puck control. I have to be more of a player. The Islanders don’t want some guy on the fourth line who only plays a minute a game, and I don’t blame them. I have to prove I’m capable of more out there.
I know you work out with your brother Mark a lot.
The only reason I’m not on Long Island the whole summer is because I want to be there for my little brother. He wants to make it, too. He played in Odessa this season and I want to help him. We help each other out, push each other.
You’ve mentioned to me before some of your unique approaches with video.
Yeah (laughs). I know this might sound funny to some people, but I use a skills video that Alexei Kovalev put out a while ago. I go out in the driveway and work on my puck skills. Hey, whatever works, you know?
The teams in the East continue to load up on big guys. Do you watch film on the top fighters?
All the time. I have to be ready. You got Donald Brashear with the Rangers now. Eric Godard in Pittsburgh, and they added (Mike) Rupp. Cote and Carcillo and everyone else in Philly. Colton Orr’s now in Toronto. You got that Leblond kid in New Jersey. He’s real tough. There’s a lot of great fighters out there. Last season I did whatever possible to be prepared, and Cairnsy often called me the night before a game to get me ready for possible opponents.
Where do you practice your fighting?
I have a heavy bag in my garage. I’m in there constantly. I do a lot of workouts in a warehouse near my home.
Sounds like Rocky.
Sort of. We have lots of room to do our stuff. We work out for hours on end. We box. We lift weights. We even flip tractor tires. Some days I leave that warehouse and I am literally drained. I know I have to get stronger. I know I still have a lot to improve.
Your fight last season with Georges Laraque, you…uh…
Go ahead. You can say it.
You looked out of your league.
I haven’t stopped thinking about that fight since it ended. What can I say? Georges is the best fighter in the game and he took care of me. That’s all right. He saw me run Tom Kotsopoulos and he did his job. I said, “Georges, do you want to go with me”? He showed me respect and gave me a fight. Where I blew it is, I messed up the “grab.” Once I didn’t get in there and get a hold of him, it was trouble. I’ll learn from it. If Georges gives me another shot someday, I’ll be there.
The only hockey fight lesson I ever got was from Gino Odjick. Besides getting my rear kicked, Gino taught me that defense is a big part of what you guys do.
Protecting yourself is a huge part of it, no doubt. There’s a lot more that goes into it than most people realize. To take on the best, I have to improve every aspect of it.
But do you really think you’re ready for the heavyweights in this league?
When someone takes a run at anyone on the Islanders, I’m gonna fly over. I can’t say I’m going to win every fight. Even the best guys don’t win them all. But I’m getting better and I’m going to continue to get better. I’ll be there to fight all the heavyweights.
Comments.
83 Responses to RECH-QUISITION OF A HEAVYWEIGHT: Addressing some tough Qs, like what happened with Laraque
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dmen77 says:
One of the ways it works with Rechlicz is if he throws down every preseason game and wins them all.
Right from the start of the season, Gordon needs him in the lineup and being our ‘tough guy’.
With Rechlicz hopefully proving himself, and Jackman and Sutton throwing them when they need to, we’ll hopefully get by.
FWIW, I’d still love to see a guy like Andre Roy signed.
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Blizzard says: I say let the Wrecker loose and see what he can do. As for his skillz….well he doesnt have much to go if he wants to be on par with say Brasheer etc. Now fighting him is another story.
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He will only improve. At least, as he said, if someone takes a run at a team mate, he’s going to fly and do what he can and not think about it. That’s what Gordon loves about him. And the fact he can skate. Bonus for a big guy.
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Phil says:
Great interview, as always, CB. Not sure if he’s ready either, but you have to love his approach and attitude.
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I really do think we need a more legitimate option than Rechlicz. That said, I love his attitude. He wants to be the guy regardless of what anyone else thinks. There’s something to say for that.
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Justin says:
Great attitude and I’m sure a good person but Wrecker is simply not a heavyweight and it remains to be seen whether his hockey skills are good enough for a regular shift in the NHL.
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Rick says:
Whether or not he’s ready is irrelevant at this point – the Islanders simply cannot go into the season without someone to protect Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, etc…he’s going to be the guy until they find someone better.
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jonw says:
I agree that Joel should start the season in the A.Let him get a decent ammount of ice time and be put in all types of situations.Let him grow as a player and a fighter.He is still very young and will only benefit from the experience.Sign Andre Roy
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BillyBC says:
Great interview! He has potential but I agree with the other posts, why not have someone else who can be tough and score some goals as well as give Wrecker a shot at the same time. Have to protect some of these young players. We need Clark Gillies II
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steve says:
Have to admire Wreck’s heart, determination, and courage. Great to hear about his willingness to always protect his teammates. That being said, with Brashear, Godard, Rupp, Clarkson, and literally the entire Flyers team, not sure if he is ready considering he hasn’t played many NHL or even AHL games yet. I say play him as much as possible in the preseason and then we take it from there.
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Will C says:
CB, any chance of more detail on the Odjick story, or any other Gino stories? He is one of my all time favorites!
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doc says:
At this point in time… I believe that the job is his to lose.
I don’t see another option on the horizon at this time… unless there’s a trade or something.
Gordon seems to like his energy and willingness… and so even if it’s only 5 minutes and 8 shifts a game… it will have to do (for now) boys.
Personally, I kind of like the kid.
DOC
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Blizzard says:
I think he’s up to it. Certainly has the right attitude
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Joe says:
Awesome interview, hope he sticks around.
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JKP in Halifax says:
CB, do you ever tire of providing us such excellent interviews? I certainly hope not!!
Great work as always. Thanks!
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but there is no reason to not let him play in the AHL for a year until he is ready, especially if they are trying him out at different positions.
No reason to not sign a guy like Andre Roy to a one year deal. Even if they scratch him, there is not a lot of risk.
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Seravat says:
CB, great interview. I really hope Recker will make it.
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savetheisles.com says:
one of the best interviews
i love the last parograph
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The Islanders need more than one enforcer, let alone already having one that is very green. Ditto to everyone who said they liked Recker’s attitude. It’s what you want. I thought the flipping the tractor tires thing was hysterical. I think ultimately any enforcer you have has to be able to play the game beyond throwing hands. Someone like a Joey Kocur, Darren McCarty or tie Domi comes to mind because even though they could fight with the best of them they weren’t total liabilities on both ends of the ice and more often than not could score a goal here and there and make other offensive contributions. I agree, sign Roy and have both guys play. We have too much invested in these young kids to have just one enforcer, especially one who’s just learning how to be an effective enforcer.
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Cary says:
Is it really about winning all the fights as much as it is the willingness to go?
I don’t mind giving him a shot to see what he can do.
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kevin27nyi says:
great interveiw. i friggin love his determination and attitude. if the isles like him then he should be it. while i dont think he will fare so well against the likes of brash and godard,but hes got the tools. i cant wait.
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I am starting to like this guy more and more. Hope he can handle Brashear though when the call from.
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DLR says:
Um, no, its about winning the fights.
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rb says:
I disagree with the notion that he has to go back to Bridgeport just because he’s not completely “ready.”
No one’s ever completely ready, and you CAN learn at the NHL level, especially when you’re on a team that’s not viewed as an automatic playoff team.
Let me preface this by saying that Rechlicz is NOT Nystrom or Howatt. But those guys spent little time in the minors, and were still acquiring skills several years into their NHL careers.
As long as he’s not a “sore thumb” liability, I think he gets a shot based on his adequate skating and not so bad hands for a basher.
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Dave says:
He has a real good attitude. I like him a lot.
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puck-o says:
This may be coincidental but the Islanders should call Montreal about Laraque. Just signed Moen , have Kostopolous, gill etc. Bring the Bunny to the Island
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islesfan999 says:
I like this kid. But I really think he should have 1 full year in the minors and we should sign andre roy or make a trade for a enforcer.
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Ben says:
NIce interview.
I like to hear about how each player is improving themselves. they are paid professionals and they should be working on their skills, strength, weaknesses as their fulltime job. Gone are the days of the Sutter brothers going back to Canada and hauling bails of hay on the farm for conditioning.
Get players like Witt, Wrecker and others with obvious deficiencies i certain areas and fix it, improve it, make it a strength – not a liability!
Please, CB, tell us more of other players and how they are preparing. All good stuff.
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How old is Brashear? 37, 38 in January? The man is getting older and has a bum left knee.
The Wrecker is developing and has a great attitude, an incredible desire to be part of the team and the physical frame to build on.
The Wrecker won’t win many this year but he will learn, develop and be there in two years and his age is the perfect age to be around for the long haul with all our developing prospects.
If this plan works Garth then your creating the “Band of Brothers”.
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This is exactly why Snow hasnt signed anyone. Put him out there! Let the Wrecker decide his own fate. Let him grow and hopefully improve with the team as everyone else is doing.
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Matt King Isles 13 says:
unleash the wrecker. joel is the man. good fighter. great guy. just look at is this way, even with him on the fourth line as our enforcer (which i am in favor of), we cant get worse than last year.
THE WRECKER!!
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Madchef says:
he will be fine imo.u know he will go to war for the boys this season nd give his all. I would rather Snow sign some scoring talent.
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db says:
This article made me feel a little more confident with Rech being the enforcer this year. However, if you can go out and get a proven name, DO IT.
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beatlebailey says:
wrecker has to make this team if there are no other signings…geezus
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
Why doesn’t Garth spend some coin and go out and get a legit NHL proven and respected tough guy? Our young kids are going to get pushed and shoved around and no one on this team is going to have their back. Come on Garth, put the golf clubs away and work out a deal.
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Gourgeous (intentional mispelling) Laraque also took care of Mitch Fritz on 11/1/08. I’ve got the picture and the personal quote to “prove” it. Is that proof that Laraque is a top fighter in the NHL or a proof that the Islanders dropped the ball on Brashear or others. It’s your call.
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Isle be Damned says:
Reich is a solid heavyweight PROSPECT. but that’s all he is right now, just a prospect. The NYI would be very wise to bring in a legit fighter so they can let Joel continue to develop in the A.
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Yashin for President says:
I understand everyone wants the Wrecker to be a fighter but he has Steve Webb written all over him.. Webb rarely won fights either.. Reich is more of a true fighter though..
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
If we have 10 guys with the attitude that he has, we’ll be pushing for playoff spots rather than worrying about who is winning fights. Everyone has everyone’s back. Orr, Brashear, Rupp, Carcillo, etc……Goddard with the ring from last year. Goddard is not the reason the Pens won.
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God I LOVE this kid!!!! He is a fine enforcer prospect IMO… and I am 100% happy with him developing at the NHL level, as well. I just wish we had someone else who is also a fighter to play on this team. IMO its not fair for a team to expect any 22yo rookie to be able to go up against the best in the NHL at their job (any position) and hold their own without someone else there doing it as well. To me, it would make as much sense as having a 22yo rookie goalie and expecting him to start every game. I just dont want him to be the ONLY guy keeping the other team in line or else the other teams are gonna attempt to smear guys like Frans and Bailey and Tavares all over the ice. I think a year or two from now, this will not be a question because Wrecker will have that role… but right now, he is still getting there.
The time is gonna come. I believe in you, Wrecker! (I figure youll read this so I just thought Id let you know!
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Strummer's Army says:
#37 did you mistype? Fritz beat Laraque. Laraque admitted Fritz beat him and it was convincing.
I really like Joel as a player and enforcer and now even more as a person. Wheter he starts the year with the Isles or in the AHL is to be determined but he seems focused on success. Remember all fighters have an adjustment period when entering the NHL. Cairns, Goddy, even guys like Probert and Grimson had a learning curve. Wrecker will continue to improve.
The fight he had with Laraque as I wrote at the time was a vet waiting out the rookie and controlling the distance. Sounds like Joel learned.
The Bridgeport website list him at 231lbs, which I believe is more accurate.
I have to say this, even if Joel starts the year with the Isles there just isn’t enough toughness on the team. You can no longer just have one guy like in the first years after the lockout. Sutton can help out but not against heavy weights. Witt can’t fight at all. Jackman I love his story and willingness but he’s not even consistent against middle wieghts. I can’t think of anyone else. Isles need 2 tough guys on defense who can play and at least one more forward who is skilled at throwing hands.
Let’s take Philly for example. If Joel squares off with Cote and they are in the box then it is pretty much open season for those 5 minutes.
So I support Joel but this team need more and there are plenty of spots on the team available for an upgrade in terms of skill, size, and toughness.
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goislesgo105 says:
If we really need someone who can fight, sign Mike Tyson. He can FIGHT!!
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The Express says:
The Fritz/Laraque fight was AWFUL. Fritz didn’t win as much as he did just spin Laraque around a lot.
As for Wrecker/Laraque, GL goaded Wrecker into jumping first and made him pay.
Wrecker is a better fighter than Webb, a great guy, and I love his enthusiasm. I remember him running across the bench to bang on the glass to get Minnesota’s attention when that game got chippy. I think he has better hockey skills than most of the other heavyweights too.
Wrecker definitely needs to improve his fighting skills, but I think he’s a much better option in-house than Jackman alone.
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mLem says:
While I think a more well known name would be worth the money I am comfortable with the Wrecker. A years worth of training can make a huge difference not to mention the experience he had. I am also willing to bet he didn’t spend much time watching Laraque, Orr, et al fight until this off season. Sutton can throw a little if he has to i.e. when wrecker is in the box, plus you don’t have to fight to send a message. Sutton is a big dude and I can’t imagine being hit by him is fun. Jackman is at least willing to fight and Witt and Weight will definitely throw down if that have to. I’m not saying we’ll win a lot of fights, but the kids won’t be totally alone out there. I always liked Godard though, I was said to see him go…wish we still had him
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38- Reich is a middleweight, a Jackman type, nothing close to Wrecker.
All it matters is if you are game. Look at Riley Cote, hes a fan favorite and wins one out of every ten. Its all about showing up for your team, he has the perfect enforcer attitude.
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Andy Badger says:
42, good point about Cote. Yes the Flyers are tough, but we saw the Wrecker take care of Cote last year and Jackman can pummel Carcillo. It’s not true that the Isles don’t have enforcers. Hell, even Weight took down one of those fourth line-flyers. Fighting in hockey is important, but it’s all about intimidation. Snow should only sign a legit heavyweight if he feels the team could be intimidated on any given night. Not because the Wrecker could loose a few fights, and certainly not because Brashear is gonna challenge Tavares.
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justin V says:
Great job CB. You are the man!!!
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isles72 says:
not a bad option to have him as our enforcer
I like that he’s young and willing
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Tond says:
everyone loves this kid…but there needs to more, he cant do it every nite and like u said..y rush him..if he getts a few good tail kickins hes never gonna be any good, hes already think about the GL fight 2 much.
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Schultz39 says:
Hard not to root for the guy – but I think with all the youth we have, we need a legit NHL ready enforcer at this point. Not sure from where though…. all the prospective free agents are now gone.
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jack bell says:
this kid has the attitude that every one of the players better have…he has the desire and intensity and will be fine…what I’d really rather see is the team as a whole standing up to the bullying they tolerated most of last season….that was more embarrassing to me as a fan than finishing in last….I hate losing, but getting slapped around at the same time is inexcusable. the so-called leaders, the core players have to get tougher, play tougher, especially on the Island! Teams have no fear of playing there, hell, most of us could play there and pretty much go untouched…too soft of a team….just my 2 cents worth.
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Chris H says:
Like I’ve said in other posts, I liked this kid from the first time I saw him. He has that spark in his eyes and a fire to play his hardest all the time. And to top it off, he is just the nicest kid to talk to. I got the jersey off his back last season and can’t wait to proudly wear it to any games, Isles or Bridgeport. You have to admire his passion and desire and know that if all the other kids (and vets) show the same heart that they will have more success this season – maybe not playoffs, but certainly not last place.
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zeike says:
CB alluded to it and Joel flat out said but it cannot be understated that this guy has to be able to play hockey for 10 mins/game because this team cannot afford to play 11 on 12 and expect to be competitive. Hope that Kovie video and all the skating work he’s supposedly doing pays off because he needs to play hockey forst and fight second. This 2-3 mins a game crap isn’t going to cut it for this team.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
I like the Wreck – saw him at the open practice yesterday and it looks like his skating is improving. However, we cant afford to have Okposo, Tavares, etal get run over while he “adjusts” to the NHL. We need to sign or trade for an established enforcer. Leave Wreclicz in Bridgeport and call him up for spot duty against the rags & philly. This would be best for our skilled players, and certainly best for Joel’s development.
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UIF says:
Nice interview, but start the guy in the AHL for the year. If he can go 20 games or so without being a healthy scratch down there, then maybe consider him for the Isles. We seem to have short memories about forcing kids into critical roles. This is how we delayed and in some cases even ruined the development of a lot of young talent in the 90s…by forcing them into critical roles too soon. We’re relying on a rookie center and second year wing to take care of all the scoring, and a rookie enforcer who played a large part of last year in the ECHL to protect the two of them…all with little to no support.
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Merrick says:
I can’t ever recall seeing such a candid in-depth interview like this on fighting at the NHL level. Great job.
I think Joey matched his career total in professional points in his first game with the Isles. All I know is that with the Isles up-temp style, they need someone who can play at least seven – eight creditable minutes per game.
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Pat says:
I am a big WRECKER fan – and think he has a chance to aspire to a role first of that of a Kevin Colley or Steve Webb…..then become the type of player who can play 4th line mins and play responsible defenseive forward role and chip in a goal or 3 or 7 or 10 a year eventually. I don’t see the second coming of Rick Tocchet here – but I do see someone who can play if given a chance.
I would not mind them signing a few players to 2 way contracts (assuming that we have the room in terms of the # of people we have under contract not being maxed out) and pre-print “Mapquest” directions to Newark, South Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Toronto and West 33rd Street to give to these players (Like a Mitch Fritz, like one or two other first tier AHL enforcers) who Gordon/Snow can call up to fit specific situations. You would not call up one of these players to play vs. Detroit – but would for the games vs Phila for example.
The Wrecker is a good story in the making. I have time to let him develop at both the AHL and NHL levels. Lets see how Camp goes.
Pat
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Tony says:
He is nothing but a young guy with a gung ho attitude and a cool nickname. Willing? Yes. The enforcer we need? No.
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KevinT123 says:
he hustles harder than anyone on this team except maybe richard park
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Wrecker will suit fine. He is getting better and looks dedicated to improving his all around game.
He realizes he messed up Turtling up vs Laraque. We all forget he went toe to toe vs Cote a few night before.
There arent many other heavyweights out there and i dont want a GOON. if you noticed Goddard spent the majority of 2nd half on bench. Larque barely played for habs.
Jackman, Thompson, Sutton, Witt, and Rechlicz are plenty capable of fighting when needed.
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JPinVA says:
Wrecker has me in his corner, but I agree with CB on this one. A one year deal for a legit fourth liner who can take a regular shift would be ideal. Wrecker can probably be that guy in a year or so. He didn’t look horrible last year, but that was in comparison to HIS TEAMMATES… and they are on the NHL fence mostly.
If they’re not going to spend the money so they can accelerate his development then I wouldn’t mind Fritz sitting on the bench, out there for 3-5 or so shifts and have somebody like Bergy take his extra fourth line shifts.
Are tehy even going to sign the F-bomb this year? -
art says:
I think it should be obvious that this attention to the Wreck is a signal to all that Snow is going to spend the last few million he needs to to reach the cap floor on skill players perhaps Tanguay. and not on an outside tough guy. If I had to choose between these two needs I would be happy if the dough were spent on impact players and I don’t mean fist impact!
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jack60 says:
Should’ve kept Sugden.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I love the Wrecker’s spirit and determination … however his nickname doesn’t fit his reputation … YET!!
The questions is … Is he the solution for the Isles THIS year? I say no … the team can’t afford to have an enforcer learning on the job. Would you want a rookie cop with potential in charge of securing your valuables? Or a proven veteran with commendations and with a Fort Knox type reputation?
The Wrecker needs a mentor “in uniform” for the NHL to push him. I’m glad the takes his job and skill set serious enough to work on them. Hopefully all his efforts will pay off. I’m rooting for ya Wrecker!!
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Staten Islander says:
think the habs would take tanbellini and sim for laroque?
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jack60 (66): What do you mean kept him? The Islanders never gave Sugden a contract. The only team that could have kept him that has anything to do with the Islanders was Bridgeport. He was on a short-term conditional AHL only (no NHL) tryout but he did not make it on to the team. I can at least SORT of understand when Isles fans cry for Fritz because Mitch was at least on a 2-way but Sugden???? That I dont get at all.
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Staten Islander:
Yeah… maybe Montreal will “give” us their two best prospects too if we sweeten the deal by including Nate Thompson.
DOC
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can we do that? lol
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DanNOLA says:
I have to be skeptical. I like the Wrecker, and I think he can grow into a legitimate 4th line tough guy who can play some minutes. But, the issue with me is: will Gordon actually use him when needed? That game against the Devils with Mottau still gets me pissed. This coming year (and for the next 7 years) we get to play Pronger 6 times. What will happen if he makes a dirty run at one of our guys? Will Gordon send out the troops and give the green light to unleash Hell?
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In the recent past we brought in hybrid type players- those who had size, could put up numbers would play an aggressive style and help develop the young guys. examples Fedotenko and Satan, the result was disappointing. What we need are players that fit that bill but also have GRIT. Hunter in his earlier years fit that discription but can anyone name anybody who is still available in that category?
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sincityhockeyfan says:
here’s a thought, sign two more 4th line tough guys.. and call the line the wrecking crew.. and if they get beat up all the time, their moniker line name can be like when you call the fat guy slim, great for marketing.
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I’m rooting for the Wrecker, but the protection solution doesn’t lie in fourth line guys who play 5 mins and challenge the other team’s heavyweight. That is 90% entertainment, 7% pure stupidity and 3% protection.
The real protection for guys like Tavares, Bailey and Okposo will be a team attitude, and the ability of management to put guys on the ice that can play the game AND be physical.
I’m in the Wrecker’s corner, but I’d much rather see more players with the second-third line potential like Martin make it, and be successful.
If only a coach could find a way to light a fire under Hunter… the guy finishes all his checks but he just isn’t PHYSICAL.
Maybe they need tanya harding as a “skating” instructor. -
a REAL hockey fan says:
———- 1st of all i LOVE Wreckers attitude and work ethic and future with the team (i really do) but hes all of 22 yrs old with lil pro experience. I have a BIG FEELING the Islanders and the young guys will be tested next year physically, i think teams will go after the younger guys when given the chance.. No it wont be the 1970′s lol but there will be some games where the Isles WILL NEED A PHYSICAL PRESENCE! I hope they make sure they have enough physicality to answer back.. The Isles have a rich tradition of skilled and tough teams and i hope they make sure they continue that, if they do the Detroit Snore wings “and turn the cheek” BS, i will be ANGRY and not spend $$ or go to games.. I dont need a goon squad but i REALLY REALLY think its important for the Isles to have a tougher team for the upcoming season, get and get another stop-gap toughguy and play Wrecker/Jackman, Witt, etc..I want a skilled and tough team!!!!! They CANT be pushed around, go Isles go!!….
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art (73): HUH? You try to think of an example of a player with size who put up numbers and plays an aggressive style and the player you think of is MIRO? Lol, haha, Miro is not that kind of player at ALL and he never ever has been. You are the first person I have ever seen suggest that he ever was. Tank, maybe… a better example was Simon the first year the Isles had him. But Miro? Lmao oh my goodness no.
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Steve says:
Great attitude,and I hope it works out he finds a spot once he works on his skills, but maybe not as THE guy. Fritz made a rag doll out of Laraque last year, why the heck are we not keeping him?
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Chris thanks for the input. You have misread my post or I did a poor job of trying to make my point. our intent was to try get players to fit that style and we failed, that is what I meant by “the result being dissappointing” At that time we were trying to make the playoffs and the rebuilding was secondary. I still think we need to get the real thing but is it avaiable? and is this the way Snow wants to go? and if so is he or Wang ready to spend the bucks? I beleieve we have to get some top flight players to help the development of the kids; fill seats and gain the attention of the public, media and politicians in order to get the LH done and save the franchise on LI.
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73: LOL MIRO? REALLY?
Andre Roy is unstable but unsigned and a possibility. The “Boogie Man”, Derek Boogaard is also available I think. Boogaard is the only real top tier guy that we could sign. He would be the only guy I’d be satisfied with taking over Rechlicz because he’s a proven beast and could handle the Laraque’s and Brashears and Orr’s. I wish we could’ve gotten Brian Mcgratton, he’s an amazing fighter when healthy.
If no Boogie, good luck Joel, I’m looking forward to seeing number 40 flying around this year.
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jody shelley went from echl to columbus and is now with the sharks
the path doesnt have to be 3 seasons of AHL fighting before someones ready for the NHL
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A good example of the type of player I think the Isles need is a young Bill Guerin. Size. scoring, team player, character, teacher. with grit and [determination] Again I said we were disappointed in Satan. Though one season he had 36 goals.
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chip saunders says:
Gotta love the Wrecker. I really hope all the work does pay off for him. But,I really do wish the Isle’s could get a real kick butt enforcer. Especially with guy’s like Brashear in the division.
Hey I love the Wrecker but Im with C- Botski on this one. Let him work on his game a bit more. Sign a legitimate heavyweight to bridge the gap.