I wanted to write this early this morning, but just didn't have the time. Arthur Staple wrote an impressive article for today's Newsday regarding NHL Tough Guys. It was an amazing amount of real estate for hockey with all NY teams out of playoff contention.
But what caused the sports editor to say "I need a two page spread" was the untimely death of one giant of a man named Derek Boogaard. The article was not written to discuss the manner in which he died or whether the League and the NHLPA do enough to help and protect players. The article was about the role of the Enforcer. If you have a subscription to Newsday, you'll be able to find it.
From a personal point of view, I really didn't know too much about Boogaard other than the splash the Rangers made when they signed him for what seemed like an inordinate amount of money. I remember listening to Ken Danyko berate the signing on MSG. At the time, it seemed the Rangers were sending the message that they wouldn't be pushed around.
That is always the message of the enforcer. That is why every team has at least one on their bench or at least in their system to draw upon when necessary.
Art used quotes from two Islanders for his article. One from outspoken and fan favorite Zenon Konopka who not only explained the mentality of the role but also used the article as a platform to defend the much maligned Trevor Gillies.
"Like me, like Derek Boogaard, he (Gillies) fought every night in the East Coast League for $386 a week after taxes. We've worked hard to get where we are and people want to dismiss us as goons or thugs. It can be really, really tough."
And like Boogaard, who scored only one goal for the Rangers after playing in 235 NHL games, Trevor Gillies is not a scoring threat. But that doesn't mean he doesn't know how to play the game. Every tough guy has made it to the NHL ranks because they actually CAN play the game -- to an extent.
Trevor Gillies is still not speaking to me since I made the mistake of asking him what the puck bounced off of on his first goal as an Islander. "My stick." he said not believing that I would be that unkind. Trouble was, I wasn't trying to be unkind. I didn't see all the replays and from what I saw that's how it looked. I ruined his moment and for that I am sorry.
Eric Cairns, who is now director of player development, is quoted as saying "You feel very much a part of the team when you stand up for someone. There's that feeling of being a protector."
It is a role that is as old as the game itself. But if the NHL wants change where enforcers are concerned, then they would have to put forth a mandate to the GMs and they would have to change. And that is not about to happen.
.
"There are few times people leap to their feet during a hockey game: The National Anthem, a shoot out or a fight." I've heard this from a few people in this industry who have been around the rink more than a few times. Fighting IS part of the game and enforcers are part of the NHL. The good thing is that some of them are getting far better at playing than ever before.
Matt Martin and Michael Haley were villified in the press this season. The Islanders were berated in ink for bringing Haley in from Bridgeport as just another fighter. Too bad the writers didn't check his stats. Martin has scored a few goals along with his PIMs too.
The untimely "accidental" death due to the mixture of alcohol and oxycodone by a 28-year-old hockey player should not be the reason to circle the wagons to argue against fighting in the NHL -- but it may be. Especially if they find CTE in Boogaard's brain as they did in Bob Probert's.
What they should really look into is the connection between CTE and substance abuse as Probert battled with it and it seems so did Derek Boogaard.
Either way, it was a tough way to end for one of the League's toughest. He left his mark on the League and he will not be forgotten.
Sidenote: John Tavares was on hand as Casey Cizikas played for the Memorial Cup. After having two goals in game 1, Casey was held off the score sheet tonight.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»