GIVING THANKS: Kyle Okposo to Mark Wotton
Appreciation for an Invaluable Mentor in Bridgeport
Kyle Okposo is off to such an impressive start to his Islanders career that it’s easy to forget he played a half-season in the minors between his time with the University of Minnesota and his NHL debut. While with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League for 35 games, Okposo picked up nine goals, 19 assists and countless lessons on how to be a pro.
“I’m really grateful for my time with the Sound Tigers,” Okposo said after practice the other day. Speaking of his coaches there, Okposo said, “Jack Capuano, Pat Bingham, (former assistant) Bernie Cassell…they helped me in every aspect of the game and prepared me for the NHL.”
But when you’re 19 years old, as Okposo was when he joined Bridgeport during the 2007-08 season, there’s nothing more impactful than the leadership of a teammate.
“Mark Wotton is the man,” said Okposo. “What a great person.”
The 36-year-old Wotton is currently in his fourth season with the Sound Tigers. A former teammate of Garth Snow’s in St. Petersburg, Russia during the NHL lockout and also with the Canucks briefly in the late ’90s, Wotton is Bridgeport’s captain, defenseman and symbolic big brother. He played 42 games over parts of three seasons in Vancouver. Outside of one game during the 2000-01 season with the Dallas Stars and the one season in Russia, Wotton has spent this entire decade in the AHL.
Every player that has come through the Islanders’ AHL affiliate the last four years has credited Wotton’s leadership. Okposo is especially appreciative.
“Wotts really took me under his wing,” said the Islanders right wing. “I got there and the staff was extremely helpful, but to have a player like Wotts show you around, look after you, give you little suggestions on how to prepare for games, that was a huge for me. The AHL could not have any more different a lifestyle and a style of play than college.
“Some of our fans may not know about a lot about Mark, but I can tell you he played a big part in my development in Bridgeport – just like all the coaches. I can’t thank Wotts enough.”
Comments on this post only. Comment Guidelines. The conversation about last night’s tilt continues in next thread.
26 Responses to GIVING THANKS: Kyle Okposo to Mark Wotton
Appreciation for an Invaluable Mentor in Bridgeport
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HilbertSnipe says:
It’s always good to hear about the character down in the Bridge. I’ve seen Wotton play and he is a great leader.
In response to Akeem, I think Andy McD is probably the best d-man down there. A quick call-up isn’t going to hurt his potential to learn the game and grow. It’s also a pretty good test to see how well he actually is growing. I like Andy on this team. I was at the Bruins game and in all honesty behind Hillen, he was the most impressive blueliner on our side of the ice. He was impressive because he wasn’t that noticeable… and that is a GREAT thing for your first game of the season in the NHL.
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admin says:
At this point in his career Mark is a 4-6 defenseman at the AHL level. He is not a candidate for NHL recall. That said, if the opportunity exists late in the season, it would be nice for the Islanders to get him an NHL game. He has been a pro’s pro for the organization…CB
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I always cut my posts short! I’m glad KO can use Wotton’s leadership abilities for the even greater influx of kids that will be through our system within the next couple of years. Geez, I call them kids and they are as old as me haha.
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peter puck says:
Its amazing the dedication of guys like Mark still playing long after their chance at the major leagues has gone. Still riding the overnight bus trips and cheap motels.
Sounds like he would make a great coach – hope he gets the chance. -
John B. says:
I don’t think Wotton has an NHL level contract. He signed a 2 year deal with the Isles in 2006, but I believe he is signed just to the Sound Tigers without any official affiliation to the Isles now. He would need to sign a new contract with the Islanders to be called up.
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dan from va beach says:
hats off to wonton!
he’s being a leader as well as a role model for the kids on his team as well as the kids who follow the soundtigers.
BUT, why would he want to do anything else?? he still gets PAID to play a GAME more than most of us will ever make a year.
most of us PAY big bucks to play in men’s leagues!
it’s not like he needs much motivation to keep playing as long as he can make a good living doing it! -
I’d like to add that at the annual Soundtigers season ticket holder kickoff dinner, Wotton stopped at every table, signed a few autographs and personally thanked every fan for supporting the team. He did this while all of his teammates were going up to get their respective dinners. Wotton is a man’s man and a class act. No, thank YOU Mark!
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beatlebailey says:
CB: Can you shed some light on what a guy like Wotton gets paid? We talking a couple hundred grand or less?
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Eastonhockey says:
Yeah I’d play till i couldn’t play any more. No job is going to be more fun then a hockey player. Ahl lifestyle isn’t that bad n bridgports a nice place to live considering all things. That’s why chelioa won’t retire…mike kean still plays in ahl. Being a tv anouncer..scout…or coach just isn’t as fun.
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hockeytime says:
Mark is a class act and a great leader for the youngsters breaking into the pros. His career may be winding down but you have to give the utmost respect to a player who has done what he has for the organization. CB great piece and yet more proof on why this is the best place for all things Isles coverage!!
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Matt says:
i always sign Wotton in my NHL10 PS3 game. even if he never plays in the NHL he is immortalized in Vidoegame Lore.
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doc says:
Guys like Wotton are gems that are never heard from or seen. We can all relate to them in some way. We all influence people in a positive way (hopefully) and go without recognition and therefore we relate well with the “unsung” pro-athlete.
It’s nice to hear a young MAN like Okposo go out of his way to single someone out like Wotton.
DOC
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Blizzard says: ….it really is interesting to learn about players like this. Career AHL players like him who have made it just so far but not the NHL. Just what is it that makes a professional hockey player almost good enough but not quite? Of course its talent, but it seems like such a fine line sometimes.
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Staten Islander says:
First time I’ve heard of him, sounds like this guy might become a scout or maybe even a coach someplace after he’s done playing
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raul17 says:
JOHN B., you’re right. Wotton is signed to an AHL contract. The Isles have to do what the Devils did for Dean McAmmond earlier, sign Wotton to a 2-way NHL contract. I doubt that would happen because I think the Isles are at their limit of players under control (I think it’s 50 players.)
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Isles have 48 players under contract right now and are still paying Yashin and Bates, so I’m not sure if they count. If they do, then it would be 50 contracts.
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Robert C says:
I have felt that the players who have been called up to play by the Islanders from the AHL in the past two seasons have been to most prepared for call ups than I ever remember. I think a great deal of the credit to the coaching staff and having an organizational system that everyone plays. Nice to read comments on veteran players who help the prospects develop.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
This the puff piece you mentioned last night CB? Well it’s a pretty good story … These are the kind of stories we can only get here. Loved it … You sometimes forget the paths players make on the way to the NHL.
File this story under “Signature Point Blank Excellence”
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I believe John B.(6) is correct regarding Wottons contract status.
I like this article, it was a nice read about a guy who we dont really hear much about at all.
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Will C. says:
Send Bailey for some Wotton time.
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Ray says:
Look on the Islanders website. They are looking for bloggers. Kinda makes me laugh, they let the best one go.
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To those of us who go to 40+ games in Bridgeport every season, none of this is shocking. Hearing a young star like Okposo come out and say it makes me appreciate both Kyle and Wotton all the more. Wotton is probably playing his last season, and while most fans have nothing against Capuano, it would be nice to see Wotton become coach (if not head coach then maybe assistant to Kevin Colley if the Islanders promote him).
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Irish Isle says:
Wow another great piece there CB
Its nice to see Kyle be so appreciative of those who helped him prepare to become a pro.
Also it looks like Wotton will have a career in hovkey after he stops playing. Could definetelly see him become a future head coach on the nhl level. As a player like him has to prepare more, and there are several coaches that fit that mold today.
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Mike says:
I am one of those fans that never really noticed what Wotton does in the Locker Room for the guys (but then again, we’re not really supposed to know what happens there anyways), and I thought he was just a mediocre player. After reading about what Kyle says, my complete and total respect for Wotton has meteorically rocketed. He has indeed stepped up his game though, and he’s really showing you can teach an old dog new tricks….sort of. I really hope Mark gets another shot in the NHL, even if it is 1 game, he deserves it from everything he does for the guys.
CB, why is a veteran guy like Watton not considered as a temporary call up in a situation like the Islanders had with Witt out? He seems like he’s a good leader, and probably a disciplined D-man who can get the job done for a game or two. That way, they can let Andy McD stay on the Bridge and develop.