July 25, 2011
Fischler: Tim Connolly, Hockey in Harlem, More
by Stan Fischler/Columnist
Tim Connolly has always been a supremely skilled player, but never quite lived up to his pre-Draft hype. Last week our man in Buffalo, Dave Ricci, delivered a scathing farewell to Connolly, who signed with Toronto on July 2. This week, the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons shares a story that might explain Connolly’s underwhelming NHL career thus far. The Toronto columnist points out that Mike Milbury, who originally drafted Connolly in 1999, considered him the best player available. However, Milbury inserted Connolly into the NHL too soon. And that hampered his development.
To Simmon’s credit, he interviewed Sherry Bassin, the veteran junior hockey executive who has a more positive view of Connolly: Bassin, GM of the Erie Otters when Connolly was the young light of the Erie franchise, says that you have to go back to the beginning in order to fully understand Connolly’s story.
After just a year and a half of junior hockey, Connolly made the Islanders as a rookie and it was then his progression began to halt. “The first mistake in Connolly’s career was being kept by the Islanders,” said Bassin. “He wasn’t ready for the NHL. He should’ve been sent back to junior.
“I don’t care what profession you’re in — doctor, lawyer, hockey player, reporter — you have to go through the right steps of development to make it big,” added Bassin. “He hadn’t yet dominated in junior. He hadn’t yet led his team. He missed out on that step.” Quite possibly, he never recovered from it.
“You can understand what’s happened to him,” said Bassin. “His career was jump-started before he was ready. He wasn’t properly developed and then the injuries came.” This off-season, the Sabres made a decision to let Connolly walk away. And the determination was rather basic: In order to spend what new owner Terry Pegula wanted to spend, he needed GM Darcy Regier to let some players leave. Connolly was one of those players. This came after a playoff game in which Connolly skated to the Sabres bench and was asked by a television announcer why he was so glum. His answer, paraphrased: “How would you feel if the entire arena hated you?“ After years of watching Connolly play with the Sabres, Harry Neale figures a change of scenery might be just what Connolly needs at this stage of his career.
“He’s getting away from his unpleasant circumstances,” said Neale, the former coach who does television analysis on Sabres games. “I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t react well to being under the Toronto media’s microscope.
“Some guys revel in the pressure of Toronto. Some guys get eaten up by it. This may be the best thing to happen to Connolly.”
Bassin plans on meeting with Connolly before the summer ends. “I know this kid and he knows he has something to prove,” said Bassin. “He’s got to be ready for it. It may never come again.”
GOSSIP
One of the most amazing accomplishments in the world of hockey development has taken place over the last two decades in the center of Manhattan. It is there at the Lasker Rink in Central Park where a program for disadvantaged Harlem youngsters has turned into a school that has created many an upstanding stickhandler. With that in mind, the Canadian Association of New York has invited all golfers to tee it up for Harlem youngsters at the 20th annual Ice Hockey in Harlem “Benefit on the Green.” The program brings together corporate America with members of the NHL community in support of over 200 hockey-playing Harlem children for a day of golf, dining and a sports memorabilia auction.
Sergei Brylin, an unsung hero of New Jersey’s Cup-winning teams (1995, 2000 and 2003), showed up at the Devils' rookie camp, spurring hints that the cerebral Russian again may play a role on Lou Lamoriello's general staff. Brylin has been playing in the KHL since his NHL retirement.
AHL NEWS – SYRACUSE CRUNCH RETOOLING FOR 2011-12 SEASON
The Anaheim Ducks have been diligently loading up on star power for the not-so-distant future.
Without a doubt the team that will benefit most from these savvy moves is
its AHL affiliate.
The Syracuse Crunch will boast one of the strongest lineups in the AHL next season.
The Ducks have re-signed free agent forwards Nick Bonino and Patrick Maroon. Bonino led the Crunch last season with 33 assists and is one of the most adept passers in the AHL.
His counterpart, Maroon, required a change of scenery to get on track in the goal-scoring department, helping lead the Crunch down the stretch to a 15-5 record with 48 points in 57 games with the club.
Maroon and Bonino were complemented well by 2009 first-round pick and AHL All-Star Kyle Palmieri, who tied for the AHL-rookie lead with his 29 goals. Also returning is former QMJHL point leader Nicolas Deschamps.
Toughness won’t be an issue for the Crunch. They will have the services of Brian McGrattan, who set the record for most penalty minutes in an AHL season with 551.
Another key addition up front is free agent AHL All-Star Andrew Gordon – a two-time Calder Cup winner with the Hershey Bears. Gordon’s deft skills around the net will help add to the Crunch’s offensive unit. Also, forward J.F. Jacques could have an impact in Syracuse if he doesn’t make the Ducks.
On defense, Anaheim re-signed workhorse Nate Guenin, who blocks shots as well as anyone in the AHL. He’ll be complemented by free agent signing Bryan Rodney, who captained the Charlotte Checkers to the Conference Semifinals in their first season in the league.
Mathieu Carle, acquired via trade from Montreal, will add some punch on the power play. Matt Smaby would be another big pick-up for the Crunch, if he doesn’t play the year in The Show.
Jeff Deslauriers, who’s had stellar numbers in the AHL, will be in goal for Syracuse.
Why such a bolstered lineup for 2011-2012?
For one thing, Syracuse has some of the best fans in pro hockey. For another, the city’s historic-landmark War Memorial Arena will turn 60-years-old; and what a fantastic way to celebrate its birthday!
