Philly first-rounder Steve Downie was dealt this week to the
Peterborough Petes after walking out on the Windsor Spitfires over a
month ago. Downie was suspended by the OHL for five games after a
series of hazings and related attacks on rookie teammate Akim Aliu, the
last of which occurred at practice on Sep. 28 in which Aliu lost
several teeth.



Took in Downie's debut with the Petes on Thursday night and have to say
that I was very impressed with his performance given the length of time
off. Played left wing on a line centered by Jordan Morrison (Pit) and
the right point on the top power play. Kept his game simple and played
a very intelligent game and didn't do anything stupid. Even got into a
second period fight with Ottawa's Elgin Reid.



It's easy to see the similarities between Downie and Flyers GM Bob
Clarke - the gap-toothed kid from Flin Flon was equal parts skill and
pure cruelty. Always at the heart of the BSB attack (Broad Street
Bullies), right in the middle of everything, carrying the puck into the
offensive zone and feeding finishers like Reg Leach and Bill Barber.
Clarke was like a pitbull on the puck, angry and fearless in traffic,
and masterful at creating space for his teammates.



Without reservation, I can also say that Bobby was one of the dirtiest
players I've seen in my years following this sport. Sure, Gordie Howe
was a nasty piece of work, but if you stayed away from Mr. Hockey, you
might be okay. Conversely, Clarke was an antagonist of the highest
order, out to make the opposition, especially star players, pay for
every inch of ice. He often crossed the line though, cross-checking
opponents after the whistle just to stir things up or administering
vicious knee-on-knee attacks. And then go run and hide behind the
strikeforce - Big Bird Saleski, Mad Dog Kelly, The Hammer Schultz etc.



There's a lot of Clarke in Steve Downie. If he can learn to control his
volatile temper as he showed in this Peterborough debut, then Philly
fans should do a celebratory handstand. Downie adds a skilled sandpaper
type of player willing to do anything to win. A nice complement to an
already burgeoning group of young stud forwards such as Carter, Sharp,
Umberger, and Richards.

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