Minor a major problem for Pack
By: Ken House, Journal Inquirer
February 16, 2005 | Link to Story|
HARTFORD - News travels especially fast in hockey circles. So, when AHL teams heard that the Hartford Wolf Pack's top two tough guys were injured, things were bound to get interesting for Hartford.
Strange as it sounds, the Wolf Pack has become the AHL's most penalized team because Martin Grenier and Trevor Gillies are out with injuries. Teams tend to get picked on when their enforcers are hurt. The Wolf Pack has amassed 1,574 penalty minutes partly because teams figure Grenier and Gillies are not around to make them pay.
"The key is to win as a team," Hartford general manager Jim Schoenfeld said. "Our team has done a real good job showing that if one player is confronted, the entire team is confronted. The basis of a strong team is a team that cares about each other."
The Wolf Pack leads the AHL with 104 major penalties. That number did not seem to concern Schoenfeld. The 392 minor penalties, though, did stick in his craw.
"Hooking, holding, tripping, interference, they are lazy or undisciplined penalties," he said. "Penalties where you stick up for a teammate are not undisciplined.
"(A lazy penalty) could end the season in a hurry in the playoffs."
It will be up to Hartford coaches Ryan McGill and Nick Fotiu to make sure that happens. Hartford's coaches have done a good job throughout their tenure of getting their players to listen. It is crucial they continue to have success.
"It is one of those things where the coaches have to constantly remind players," Schoenfeld said. "It is more effort to take an extra step rather than reach out and hook an opponent. It becomes a continuous challenge for the coaching staff of the constant repetition of what it takes to win."Get 'em while they're hot
Warm-up jerseys worn by the 2005 AHL All-Stars at Monday night's All-Star Game in Manchester, N.H., are being auctioned off for a variety of charities, including the Ace Bailey Children's Fund. For information on the auction, log on to www.theahl.com.
Making moves
Hartford assigned right wing Juris Stals to the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League. Also, the Checkers activated Lee Falardeau from injures reserve.
Also, the Checkers suspended former Hartford forward Mike Harder. Charlotte's second-leading scorer (12 goals, 31 assists), left for a team in the German Elite League on Monday.
Upcoming events
Hartford entertains the Worcester IceCats on Friday in only its second home since Jan. 22. As with all Friday night games, it's a Guida Milk Family Values Night. For as low as $33, which admits three people, fans receive three tickets, three hot dogs or slices of pizza, three sodas, and a Wolf Pack souvenir. For information, call 246-7825.
The third annual Connecticut Children's Medical Center Day takes place at Hartford's game with the Norfolk Admirals on Sunday.
The Wolf Pack will hold silent auction and raffle to benefit the Children's Cancer Fund at CCMC. From each ticket purchased from the Wolf Pack directly, $2 will be donated. Plus, $2 from every car parked at "Trumbull On The Park" goes to the charity. For information, call 246-7825.
Congratulations
Dusty Jamieson, who spent time in Wolf Pack camp this season, was named the ECHL's co-Player of the Week on Monday. The 23-year-old forward had seven goals and an assist as Charlotte went 3-1-1 last week.
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