Barry The Blogger - Follow me on twitter at @allenamericans1 and/or like my Facebook page at Allen Americans Blog. This is the official blog of the Allen Americans.
David Brown Designs His Own Goalie Masks And Has A Goalie Mask Collection - photo by chlphotos.com
Had the chance to sit down with Americans goalie David Brown after practice yesterday, his first as an Allen American. He arrived in Allen Sunday evening after making the long drive from Arizona. Brown grew up in Stoney Creek, Ontario which is on the western shores of Lake Ontario and is now part of Hamilton, Ontario. He is another of the many hockey players from the Toronto area. His hometown is 40 miles from Brampton so you can expect a big group of family and friends at the games when the team visits Brampton in a couple of weeks.
David is the oldest of three children. His father, Gary worked as a fraud investigator for the government and his mother, Domenica, just retired as a school teacher. His brother, Gary, is a doctor going through his residency in orthopedics, and his sister, Erica, just graduated with a degree in kinesiology. David graduated from Notre Dame with a business degree (Management Consulting). If you haven't read the post from yesterday, "Americans Sign Goalie David Brown" take a look as it discusses his time at Notre Dame. He has a girlfriend, Elena, who will be joining him once he gets settled. They met two years ago around Halloween when he was in Abbotsford (AHL).
The details:
Goalie -- shoots R
Born -- Stoney Creek, ONT
[28 yrs. ago]
Height 6.00 -- Weight 190
Here are David's answers to 20 questions:
Do you have any pets? No, we did have a rabbit growing up but nothing now.
Earliest hockey memory: I remember being in hockey school when I was six and learning how to skate by pushing a chair around the rink. I didn't really like it so I quit skating until my dad and I went to Toronto to a card show where Patrick Roy was appearing. I really didn't even know who he was other than a famous hockey player. TSN (ESPN in Canada) stopped right in front of me and the entire experience was amazing as I was a big Montreal Canadiens fan. I said to my dad right there, "I want to do what he does." My dad replied, "You want to be a goalie?" The next year I was the only full time goalie in my age group (8 year olds).
Nickname: Browny
Favorite Number: #30 which I will be wearing in Allen.
Favorite Actor: Ryan Gosling
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Something People Would Be Surprised To Learn About You: With a name like Brown I am Italian.
Favorite Type of Music: Rap & Electronica
Favorite Group or Singer: Jay-Z
If You Could Have Lunch with Anyone Who Would You Pick: Ghandi
Something That Is Great Value to You But Little Value To Others: My goalie masks. I have a collection of 8-10 and am heavily involved in the design process. Each has a story of a time and place in my career.
Where Is The Most Interesting Place You Have Visited: The Mayan Riviera ruins in Mexico.
If You Could Live In Another Country For Two Years Where Would You Live: Australia
If You Could Be Anything Besides a Pro Athlete What would It Be: CEO of a Fortune 500 company
Any Pregame Rituals or Superstitions: I have gotten rid of those as I have gotten older. I do like to find a quiet corner to reflect and focus on the game. I will play soccer with the guys on games when I am not starting.
Who Is Your Number One Fan: My mom and dad.
What Do You Like To Do To Kill Time On The Bus: I am a big movie buff so I watch a lot of movies.
Do You Have A Good Bus Story: Last year we (Arizona Sundogs) were going through the Colorado Rockies on a road trip and the bus filled with black smoke. We all ran outside as the bus was billowing smoke. So here we are in the Rockies on a highway with no shoulder. We waited for a replacement bus for six hours as the sun was going down and the temperature fell. We were on the side of the highway with our blankets, all huddled together. It was nerve wracking as it started to get dark in the Rockies with strange sounds coming from the forest.
Favorite Motto Or Saying: It is something from Notre Dame. Play like a champion today. I have it on my mask.
If You Could Choose Someone As A Mentor Who Would You Pick: My college coach, Jeff Jackson. I learned a lot from him when I was at Notre Dame and still stay in touch with him and value his opinion.
Favorite Toy As A Child: Ninja Turtles. My favorite was Raphael.
Favorite TV Show: Family Guy, Suits, Dexter, Breaking Bad.
What Do You Like To Do Away From The Rink: I like to explore the area where I am living. In Arizona I did a lot of hiking and climbing. I know there is a lot to do in North Texas. I am a free spirit and like to be spontaneous so I will live in the moment and enjoy the adventure. In the off season I spend a lot of time in the gym and I enjoy traveling.
Are You Active On Social Media: I am on Facebook and Instagram but I am not on Twitter.
David Played For Quad City In 2010-2012 - photo by chlphotos.com
DID YOU KNOW: The Hobey Baker Award (hockey's Heisman) selects ten finalist each year and then ten days before the Frozen Four tournament trims the 10 finalists to the top three which are called the Hobey Baker Hat Trick. In 2007 David was one of the three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists. Here is the description of his accomplishments in the press release announcing his selection as one of the three finalists. It is obvious he is not only a talented goalie but also a great young man.
David Brown of Notre Dame is
a senior goalie who turned in a spectacular season helping the Fighting
Irish to a pair of school firsts: the CCHA regular season championship
and the CCHA playoff title. Advancing to the NCAA Midwest Regional as
the number one seed, Notre Dame fell in the championship game to CCHA
rival Michigan State, 2-1. Named the CCHA Player of the Year, Brown, from Stoney Creek, Ontario,
finished the season with a won-loss record of 30-6-3 in 39 games. He
leads the nation in goals against average with a 1.58 mark (almost
three-tenths better than his closest rival) and in wins. His
outstanding save percentage of .931 is second in the nation. A
Management Consulting major and on the school's Dean's List, Brown also
found time to assist in the Buddy Walk for kids with Downs Syndrome,
volunteered every Tuesday for a Kindergarten Read-To-A-Kid program and
assisted in team sponsored Christmas parties for kids. A Pittsburgh draft pick, Brown set seven career and single-season team records.
David Brown Signs With Allen - photo by chlphotos.com
The Allen Americans announced have signed former Arizona Sundogs goalie David Brown. David is 28 years old, 6' 0" and 185 lbs and was an 8th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL draft.
David Brown - Hobey Baker Award Finalist
David played his college hockey at Notre Dame (2003-2007) and as a senior was one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker award (hockey's equivalent of the Heisman Award). Here is what was written about him after his senior year at Notre Dame:
Notre Dame senior goaltender and Pittsburgh Penguins prospect David
Brown capped a remarkable career with a spectacular senior season that
saw him backstop the Fighting Irish to their first ever CCHA Regular Season and Mason Cup Championships as well as coming within one game of reaching the Frozen Four. The Stoney Creek, ONT
native firmly etched his name into the Notre Dame hockey history books
and along the way earned numerous accolades, including being named a
Hobey Hat Trick finalist, CCHA Player of the Year and most recently, a West First Team All-American.
In addition to his success on the ice in college David won the Lowe's Senior Class Award. The award, selected by a nationwide vote of coaches, media and fans, is
presented to college hockey’s outstanding NCAA Division I senior
student-athlete. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student
athlete, with criteria including excellence in the classroom, character
and community, as well as competition in sports.
David will be starting his seventh professional season and has 26 AHL games, 74 ECHL games and 94 CHL games. He was in 31 regular season games for Arizona last year and had a GAA of 2.69 and save percentage of 91%. In three playoff games he had a GAA of 2.57 with a save percentage of (93%).
Here are the details from hockeydb:
David Brown
Goalie -- shoots R
Born -- Stoney Creek, ONT
[28 yrs. ago]
Height 6.00 -- Weight 185
In a move that wasn't a surprise to most that follow the Allen Americans closely Coach Martinson made a change in goalies yesterday by bringing in a new goalie and releasing Brad Fogal. Bryan Pitton's play over the weekend was probably the deciding factor in which goalie was released. Maybe some would see this as unfair however keep in mind both goalies had ample opportunity to prove themselves during training camp. The new goalie will be announced today (I have been asked not to release the name but it will be a familiar name to CHL fans).
As the championship rings were being presented on Sunday I started thinking about all of the players that weren't in attendance and what has happened to them in the short seven months since Allen won the championship. With the team getting a well deserved day off on Monday I decided to put together a list of the players from last year and where they are today.
Drew Daniels - after working on his degree this summer (he left school early to turn pro) at Northeastern University Drew signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). Cincinnati has played one game which they won and Drew had an assist. Drew is listed as playing defense.
Adam Pineault - Adam signed with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) in the off season and was selected as an alternate captain of the team. He is wearing #10 this year and has two assists in the first two games as Utah is 1-1.
Mike Montgomery - Mike decided not to play hockey this year and is living in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Jim McKenzie - Jim is playing for the Quad City Mallards (CHL) and had two goals in the opening game. Quad City is 0-1. Jim is still wearing #25.
Garrett Clarke - Garrett signed with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) in the off season and was released during training camp. He is back home in New Brunswick and tells me he has something in the works that he may be able to share this week.
Brian McMillin - Brian signed with the Coventry Blaze in England (EIHL). He has six points (0 goals 6 assists) in 13 games. His team has struggled recently losing their last five games. Brian is still wearing #9.
Anthony Maiani - Anthony signed with the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) in the off season and was released during training camp. He has gone home to Michigan to contemplate his future and look for opportunities outside of hockey. Hope see him back in the league.
Aaron Dell - Aaron signed with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) and was called up to Utah's AHL affiliate (Norfolk Admirals) before the season started because of injury. He has been with the Admirals for two games but has not played.
Ryley Grantham - Ryley was signed by the Allen Americans in the off season but is currently on a 25 game professional try out (PTO) contract with the Springfield Falcons (AHL). Ryley did not play in the Falcons first four games but played Saturday and had an assist, a fight and he was a +1. Springfield has started the season with five straight wins.
Brett Skinner - Brett recently signed with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) and has played in four games and has one assist.
Todd Robinson - Todd signed with the Tulsa Oilers (CHL) in the off season. Tulsa lost two games over the weekend to Denver. Todd had a goal and an assist. Todd is wearing #19.
Scott Howes - Scott is playing in the Austrian league for a team from Slovenia. Former Allen player Judd Blackwater (2010-2011) is a teammate. Scott has played in only four of fourteen games and has two goals and two assists. His team is in last place in the league. Maybe Scott will be a candidate for returning to Allen for the playoffs.
Corbin Baldwin - Corbin is signed with the Iowa Wild (AHL). He has played in three of four Iowa games, has no points and one fight.
Steve Silverthorn - Steve has retired and is living in the Boston area.
Bryce Aneloski - Bryce is signed with the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) and has played in one of the Solar Bears two games and has no points. Orlando is 0-2.
Alex Penner - Alex is playing in the LNAH Quebec League and yes he had a fight in his first game.
Chris Doyle - Chris was injured during the summer and is rehabbing at home in Thunder Bay. His future with the Americans is unknown.
Nino Musitelli - Nino is out of hockey and living in Michigan.
Kip Brennan - Have heard from several people Kip signed with a team in Finland but cannot confirm that on any hockey web site.
DID YOU KNOW: According to a Tulsa Oilers release Todd Robinson will be playing in his 900th minor pro hockey game when Tulsa has its home opener on Saturday. Todd has the most famous goal in Americans history and yet only played in five regular season and 19 playoff games for Allen.
Lukin, Berube and Bootland Help Raise The Championship Banner - photo by chlphotos.com
-
I saw a headline on the CHL web site about the game yesterday which
read, "Thunder Trips Up Allen, Spoil Championship Celebration" and I
could not disagree more. Yes, the Thunder beat the Americans (more on
that later) but nobody spoiled the championship celebration. Every part
of the pregame ceremonies was outstanding. A new video was put together
which had highlights from the regular season and playoff. Not sure who
all had a hand in putting the highlight video together but I saw Erik
Adams spending many hours picking out the clips that were used. Job well
done by Erik and the rest of the staff. From captain Jason Deitsch
returning to bring out the Presidents' Cup, to the unveiling of the
banner for winning the Governor's Cup (regular season champion) to the
ring presentation, to the dramatic raising of the championship banner, it
was a memorable event which the outcome of the game could not spoil. As
I was taking it all in I couldn't help but reflect on all the effort,
dedication, hard work and team work it took from everyone involved (on and off the ice) to
raise that banner. And what a nice touch to have bus driver, Scott
Alexander at center ice for all of the festivities. No, the Thunder did
not spoil the championship celebration.
-
I know there are better pictures of the championship ring out there but
wanted to share a couple I took with my phone so you can see the side
view
of the ring. On one side is the the players name with the Presidents'
Cup and on the other side has Americans on the top, the Governor's Cup
in the middle and the year on the bottom. Chip Crail (chlphotos.com) took some ring pictures which I will share later this week. Haven't asked but would
assume Jim McKenzie and Todd Robinson will get their rings when Quad
City (Jim) and Tulsa (Todd) visit the AEC.
- As for the hockey game itself the Americans lost 4-3 in a shootout.
As was the case opening night Allen jumped out to a lead but could not
put Wichita away and they came roaring back from a 2-0 deficit to take
the lead 3-2 before Allen tied the score with less than three minutes to
play. The Americans had several great chances in overtime but could not
score. Kale Kerbashian scored in the shootout for the second game in a
row but was the only American's player to score. Here is the shootout
result. The colored blocks (Booras, Hendrickson & Kerbashian) indicate goal scored.
Wichita
Allen
SHOOTER
SCORE
Matt Robinson
no
Jon Booras
yes
RG Flath
no
Jesse Dudas
no
Burke Gallimore
no
Nik Yaremchuk
no
Jake Hendrickson
yes
SCORE
SHOOTER
no
Jamie Schaafsma
no
John Snowden
yes
Kale Kerbashian
no
Darryl Bootland
no
Alex Lavoie
no
Jonathan Lessard
no
Jarret Lukin
TOTALS: 2
1
- The attendance for the home opener was 4911, a good but not great crowd. The average attendance last year was 4157 and it will be a great disappointment if the average isn't above 4500 this year.
- Don't normally complain about referees as these things even out over time but Trevor Harding, the referee for both Wichita games, seemed to struggle keeping up with the game. Thirty four infractions for twenty power plays does not make for a good hockey game. Inconsistent calls and too many calls along with too many missed infractions at the same time. The brawl that took place at the beginning of the third period was a direct result of the referee missing a cheap shot on Charles Lachance along the boards. I think both coaches would agree these were poorly officiated games. And the amount of time it took to sort at the penalties after the brawl was way too long. The consensus of the folks I talked to was the length of the game (3 hours 20 minutes) was an all time record.
- It was good to see how this team is sticking up for each other. There is no doubt the players have each others backs. The leadership shown by Daniel Tetrault on the ice against his old team was outstanding but there were a lot of players (Bootland, Berube, Kerbashian, Hendrikx) sending the message of "all for one."
- Look for additional roster moves in the coming days as the coaches try to improve the team with free agents. The number of free agents looking for jobs is very high according to some figures I saw on Twitter. Here are the numbers:
NHL - 33
AHL - 68
ECHL - 294
CHL - 92
The real key is looking at all of these players and finding the diamonds in the rough that you can sign at a reasonable price. Stay Tuned.
- A good sign of the balanced scoring predicted for the team this year is in the first two games the seven goals have been scored by six different players.
- Special teams are always a big key to success and the Americans have always excelled in the penalty kill with Jarret Lukin the best penalty killer in the league. The entire penalty kill unit has been outstanding the first two games with the penalty kill at 90% on 2 goals allowed in 20 chances. The power play has also excelled at 25% (4 for 16) which would be great if the team could keep that up.
- Talked to Phil Fox after the game and he will be on the ice for the first time since his surgery today. Just baby steps with trainer Osama Kassab supervising but another step on the road to recovery. There are home games on October 30 (Tulsa) and November 1 (Denver) and if all goes well we could see Phil back in the line up for one if not both of these games.
DID YOU KNOW: Defenseman Daniel Tetrault and Erik Adams, Community Relations and Game Operations Manager, were teammates in 2004-2005 playing for the New Mexico Scorpions (CHL). Their coach was former Americans coach Bill McDonald.
- Kale Kerbashian scored the winning goal last night as the Allen Americans opened the season with a 4-3 shootout win over the Wichita Thunder before a great crowd of 5586 at the Intrust Bank Arena. The Americans scored the first three goals of the game (Bootland with two and Lessard) and had a 3-0 lead with less than a minute left in the second period but Wichita came roaring back to tie the game. In the shootout John Snowden and Wichita's Matt Robinson traded goals in the third round before Kerbashian beat Thunder goalie Torrie Jung going five hole in the fifth round for the win. The teams got on their respective buses right after the game to head for Allen and a rematch this afternoon at 4:05 pm.
- It has been a rough start for the Thunder who are always in the championship hunt. Two home losses is not where Wichita expected to be. Here are a couple of quotes from the coach after the game. “It was a big improvement from last night,” coach Kevin McClelland said.
“But I still think some changes have to be made. Personnel changes. I
just can’t keep gassing five or six guys.”
“We just needed more depth,” McClelland said. “You don’t want
to do that all season. It’s going to be real tough (Sunday) with our
third game in two and a half days.”
- Jim McKenzie had two goals in a losing effort as Quad City lost to Rapid City 6-4.
- Fans got their moneys worth in Denver last night as it took a mind boggling 18 rounds of shootout to decide the game as former Allen Americans defenseman Steve Kuanisto (2011-2012) got the game winner as Denver beat Tulsa 3-2. Here is how the shootout was described in the CHL news release:
The score remained 2-2 at the end of the overtime period, sending the
game into a shootout. After a scoreless five rounds, the shootout
continued into sudden death. Thomas Beauregard snuck the puck past
Millan, but Denver’s T.J. Fox quickly responded to keep the shootout
alive. In the 14th round, Tulsa’s Ben Gordon gave them the chance to
come out with the victory, when Denver’s Garett Bembridge answered with a
goal to continue the electrifying shootout. In the 18th round, Steve
Kaunisto won it for the Cutthroats and completed the sweep of the Oilers
with a final 3-2.
- Attendance around the league was quite varied last night. In addition to the 5586 in Wichita there were 5325 in Quad City. The St. Charles Chill drew 3331 for the first game in their history. Denver has to be a concern as they only drew 1741.
- A couple reminders for anyone going to the game today at the Allen Event Center (AEC). First, make sure to arrive early (NLT 3:40 pm) so you don't miss any of the pregame ceremonies. Second, keep in mind the AEC has recently started enforcing a "no re-entry" rule so once you are inside the AEC you will not be allowed to leave and re-enter. There will be a smoking area set up outside the door next to the ticket office (across from the popcorn concession). You will be allowed to take drinks outside in the smoking area.
- Several of you have asked me about Peter Cintala. Peter is in Louisana skating with the Louisana Ice Gators. He has hopes of retuning to Allen in the near future as he really likes the area and all of the support he received from the fans and the team. I for one hope he gets a shot.
- If you look at the pregame notes for today's game on the CHL website you will notice that newly signed forward, Garrett Klotz, is already listed so there is a chance he will play today. If you watched or listened to the game last night there were a lot of penalties called and several 5 on 3 power plays on both sides. You might look for a repeat performance today as the same referee that worked last night's game, Trevor Harding, is scheduled to work the game this afternoon.
DID YOU KNOW: The Brampton Beast roster is made up entirely of Canadian players.
Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2013/10/19/3068454/allen-defeats-thunder-in-shootout.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2013/10/19/3068454/allen-defeats-thunder-in-shootout.html#storylink=cpy
Coach Martinson is fond of saying this year we might go into the hockey season with a pack of wolves rather than one lion. With the signing of Garrett Klotz Allen now has a lion stalking in front of the pack of wolves. Klotz, who was in camp with the Ontario Reign, was released just two days ago. He is shown as 6'6' 250 lbs on one hockey site and 6'5" 234 on another but either way he is a monster. He has had 95 fights in his eight year junior and professional career. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round (66th overall) of the 2007 NHL draft.
I found this very insightful story written by Andrew Matte of the Star Phoenix in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan a couple of months ago. It does a great job of telling you who Garrett Klotz is and what he is all about. I am sure part of the attraction in coming to Allen is the Americans history of getting players called up to the AHL. I wouldn't be surprised if Klotz is in the line up this afternoon for the home opener.
Hockey star's NHL dream remains
Andrew Matte
The Starphoenix
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
CREDIT: Bridges Photo By Troy Fleece
Saskatchewan's Garrett Klotz played four season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, a team that grooms players for the NHL.
CREDIT: Bridges Photo By Troy Fleece
Garrett Klotz works to improve his strength, foot speed and agility during the off-season from hockey.
Garrett
Klotz stands out in a crowd because he's six foot five and has arms
that look like sculpted steel. But that's not why he gets stopped in the
street by fans, friends or members of Saskatchewan's hockey faithful.
Klotz,
24, is among a handful of homegrown hockey heroes who are home for a
summer break from their careers as professional players outside the
Prairies. And while Klotz is lesser-known than NHL stars like
Saskatoon's
Jared Cowen of the Ottawa Senators or Regina's Chris Kunitz of the
Pittsburgh Penguins, he's envied by hockey-mad fans who share a
universal dream of earning a paycheque playing Canada's sport.
The
dream remains for this former Hockey Regina peewee star and Saskatoon
Blades tough guy who presumed his entry into the NHL required little
more than a rubber stamp after he was contacted by the team he idolized.
The surprise Saturday morning call in 2007 from the Philadelphia Flyers
was hockey's equivalent to a lottery win. In the following year, he was
given a six figure signing bonus and an invitation to Pennsylvania to
play on the team that grooms players for the storied Broad Street
Bullies.
But affection for Klotz wasn't exactly overflowing in the
City of Brotherly Love. He suffered a seizure when his head hit the ice
after a knockout blow ended a fight in his first season with the
American Hockey League's (AHL) Philadelphia Phantoms. After his contract
with the Flyers ended, he hoped to be discovered again.
Outside
of hockey, he learned there's little glory in mid-season moves to
little-known American cities or missing out on family functions in
Regina. After being disciplined for succumbing to temptations common
among young sports stars, he learned that a late night out with the boys
isn't the best way to deal with stress or boredom.
Today, with
five years of pro hockey under his belt, the plan set in motion the day
he was selected in the 2007 entry draft is unchanged, though he concedes
to having his first thoughts about a future without the NHL.
"Back
then, I expected to be in the NHL by now ... I had expected more of
myself, to be honest," Klotz said over a pre-workout lunch in east
Regina.
"Maybe I'll give it one more year in North America and if
nothing happens, then I might go to Europe or somewhere. On the other
hand, I'm only 24. So I am not sure what's going to happen."
Tammy Walbaum recognized an important trait that has remained a theme in her son's life.
As
was common in many Saskatchewan homes in the 1990s, hockey was as much a
passion as an after-school activity. And Garrett, who started to skate
at age seven, had a natural athleticism. And he recognized at an early
age that success was possible through hard work.
"There have been
times when he's worked really hard and surprised people," says Walbaum,
whose son often became more committed to projects after enjoying
success.
"When he was a kid, it was impossible to get him to come
home when he was out playing on the outdoor rink in Glencairn," says
Walbaum, adding the skills he honed playing shinny transferred nicely to
organized league play. "He would stick handle through all the other kids
and the other parents would tell me he had soft hands."
Klotz called upon his determination again at 16. He saw potential in himself, improved his
skills
and strength and tried out for the Regina Pat Canadians. He was cut,
but later earned a spot on the roster of the 2005-06 Red Deer Rebels of
the Western Hockey League, the first recognition of Klotz's size and
willingness to work. After his trade to Saskatoon, where he played for
two seasons with the Blades, Klotz's reputation as a bruiser who liked
to lift weights was well known.
He was sometimes knocked for
lagging behind his teammates in skating and puck-handling abilities, but
then-Blades head coach Lorne Molleken says Klotz's dedication to
self-improvement was rare among athletes his age.
"I give Garrett a
lot of credit because not too many people believed in him or thought he
could accomplish it. He worked endless hours in the gym to get stronger
and spent the extra time on the ice to improve his hockey skills,"
Molleken told the StarPhoenix in 2008.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren added: "We like a lot of things about Garrett ... we think he can turn into a good player."
After
seeing his future with the Flyers end, Klotz was disappointed he was
never called up to the NHL like he had hoped. He dug in again. He worked
harder in the gym, took up boxing and stayed longer after on ice
practices. In September, he heard from the Anaheim Ducks, who signed him
to a one-year deal with its farm team in Virginia. His value didn't
exactly drop after scoring a hat trick the previous season as a member
of the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Bloomington Prairie Thunder.
Rod
Flahr, a Regina fitness and strength trainer who works with hockey
players, calls Klotz one of the hardest workers he's seen in 20 years.
"Garrett
is my second hardest worker," said Flahr, who puts fellow Reginan and
Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich at number one.
Flahr, who took Klotz on as a summer client four years ago, said Klotz's strength and level of fitness improve each year.
"He
brings it every single time he comes," says Flahr, who helps Klotz
improve in areas like foot speed and agility. "He is a big strong kid
with power and a good work ethic. I keep getting surprised by how well
he's improved."
He can't vouch for on-ice improvement, but Flahr hopes Klotz becomes an NHLer.
"A hockey player is one injury away from making it. Or you're one impressed scout away from making it," said Flahr.
"I have a soft spot for the kid."
Debates
over fighting in hockey happen without much notice from Klotz, even
though his willingness to punch and be punched is why he gets work from
the likes of the Fort Wayne Komets or Greenville Road Warriors.
He
shrugs off growing concern that fighting can lead to everything from
memory loss to early dementia. But he understands the potential for
damage in a full-fisted blow to the head from a fellow 250-pound
combatant.
"It's scary. I know that. I have had a few bad experiences, but it's not enough to have me thinking too hard about it."
He
downplays the seriousness of the infamous brain-jarring 2009 fight in
which he lost consciousness, stumbled backward and knocked his head
against the boards and the ice. He was back in the lineup not long after
undergoing a battery of tests and brain scans that found no lingering
effects from the incident. "I was out for two weeks. But I played in the
first game after I was cleared to play."
Klotz believes he's
benefited from the evolution of hockey culture, which used to require
little of enforcers beyond the ability to drop their gloves.
"The
era of the goon is over. You have to be able to play as well," says
Klotz, who appears in dozens of fights in YouTube-posted videos. "I know
my size is what got me here. But I've worked on my skills. My goal is
to play big, play hard and don't let other players push me or my
teammates around."
Like all good mothers, Tammy Walbaum would prefer that fighting wasn't her son's job.
"I'm
glad he's a good hockey player but I wish he had a different role. Even
when he was 18, he'd call me and say, 'It's OK mom, that's my role,' "
says Walbaum, who still remembers the seizure-inducing fight. "When I
got the news about that, your stomach does flip flops and you think
you're going to throw up. It was very scary."
She also worries for his future if his NHL hopes are dashed.
"I don't want him to be a 30-yearold and still playing in the ECHL ... I don't want to see him wasting any more of his time."
Klotz
agrees that having a backup career plan is a good idea, even though he
struggles with the notion of pursuing a non-hockey life.
"I should
be doing something about that. But I don't have any ambition to do that
during the season. But I am going to have to start thinking about that
soon," says Klotz, adding that working as a personal trainer is an
option.
Until then, players like Klotz face a unique off-ice
challenge. Because teammates from various locations around the world
live in apartments while they wait for the season to
end or get a
call from another team, there is plenty to distract them. For a
20-something kid who becomes a celebrity, saying no to temptation is
difficult.
"A lot of guys like to party. But it gets the best of
some of them. You have the spotlight on you and you're out having fun.
But if you slip up once and they catch you, it's not good for the
image," says Klotz, adding he's been guilty of enjoying too many
beverages or staying out too late when he shouldn't have.
In Fort
Wayne, for instance, there are a half-dozen strip clubs. Showgirls III
is the best, Klotz reports. "I've messed up a few times," he says.
"Nothing too big. Just getting drunk and doing stupid s**t. And then
management gets wind of it. So you get a slap on the wrist and get told
not to do it again."
Klotz has taken his warnings seriously because he's seen players lose opportunities.
"Some
people don't learn. If it happens to you once, or twice, that's one
thing. But if it happens a third time, it's 'See you later, you had your
chance.' This summer, Klotz visits Flahr at Regina's Zone Fitness and
is spending time at Black and Blue Boxing Club in Regina to box, a sport
he took up three years ago to help him fight better and punch harder.
He's also in Saskatoon where he plans to stay with former Blades netminder
Garrett Zemlak and play hockey with members of Saskatoon's hockey elite,
including Washington Capitals goalie Brayden Holtby and Ottawa Senators
defenceman Eric Gryba. He's also trained at Saskatoon's Nelson Boxing
Club.
Klotz isn't sure where he's headed in September, even though
he's received interest from a team in England, an ECHL team in
California and the Komets, the Fort Wayne team he played with last
season. He's hopeful another NHL team might call again, just as the
Ducks did last year. But he concedes it's hard to stay motivated after
not getting a call to play in the big leagues.
"Philly never gave me a shot. I never played a pre-season game with them. That was disappointing," says Klotz.
"But
I have been improving. And I have been given chances on the teams I've
played with and I have been producing a little more. And I improve a
little each year.
"That gives me more confidence as a hockey
player. So that makes me hopeful that I might catch someone's eye and I
can get another chance so I can take it and run with it.
"I think I deserve one. I just can't figure it out."
He
also understands the irony of his frustrations when he's stopped by old
pals in Regina who are envious of his hockey career that he's
disappointed he hasn't been able to take further.
"In the end, I can't really complain about the fact I'm doing something I like," he says.
"It's better than digging ditches."
His stats from hockeydb:
Garrett Klotz
Left Wing -- shoots L
Born -- Regina, SASK [24 yrs. ago] Height 6.06 -- Weight 250
- The CHL season got underway last night as Brampton beat Arizona 5-4, Rapid City beat Wichita 2-1, and Denver beat Tulsa 4-1. Usually first night attendance figures give some indication of how a team will draw during the year. In Brampton the attendance was 3300 (the Powerade Center holds 4800 for hockey), Wichita, which led the CHL in attendance last year, had a nice crowd of 5229, and Denver had what everyone would call a disappointing crowd of 2152.
- The Americans traveled to Wichita yesterday afternoon and arrived in town amongst a few snow flurries and brisk temperatures. Perfect hockey weather. Tommy Daniels went to the Wichita vs Rapid City game last night and was the between periods guest of Wichita broadcaster Jason Mals.
- The pregame roster for tonight's game that is posted on the CHL website shows Alex Bourret & Garrett Clarke in the lineup tonight. Now that would be a real surprise. Obviouly something got lost in translation.
- The CHL announced yesterday that they have adopted a helmet rule similar to the NHL & AHL. Here is the press release:
GLENDALE, AZ (October 18, 2013) – The Central Hockey League (CHL) Board
of Governors unanimously approved today the adoption of a rule that
would penalize players for removing their helmet prior to engaging in a
fight.
“Player safety is of the utmost importance and the hockey community has
saw fit to take whatever necessary steps they can to offer the safest
playing environment for their players,” said Steve Ryan, CHL
Commissioner. “I applaud our Owners and Governors for recognizing the
importance of this issue and voting accordingly.”
The rule calls for a two minute minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike
Conduct if a player removes his helmets prior to engaging in a fight or
should a player deliberately remove another player’s helmet in the
course of a fight. Helmets that come off in the course of and resulting
from the altercation will not result in a penalty to either player.
- The league also announced yesterday that a new new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been approved by the owners (Board of Governors) and players (Professional Hockey Players Association PHPA). Here is part of a letter the players received from the PHPA highlighting the provisions that stayed the same in the new CBA and those that have changed. If you want to look at the entire letter it is posted at phpa.com.
Term – 1 Year
A number of provisions within the CBA will remain the same as the expired CBA, namely: • Union Recognition • No Strike / No Lockout • Union Security • Minimum Floor - $8,400 • Minimum Salary – less than 25 games $345 – more than 25 games $390 • Playoff Pool - $100 1st round / $400 2nd round / $700 finalists / $1,300 Champions • Exhibition Games • Training Camp • Pre/Post Season Travel Reimbursement • Lodging • Marketing/Licensing • Veteran Rule – 5 vets (300 games) plus 1 re-signed • Reserve System • Roster Changes • Injured Reserve – 1-7 day / 2-14 day / 2-30 day / 2 goaltenders • Scheduling – 3 in 3 followed by 48-hour break • Game Day Travel – exceeding 400 miles either include an overnight stay or sleeper bus • Career Development • Athletic Trainers • Right to Medical Records • Player Fines • Christmas Break – no games, practices, travel or promotion for 72 hours (Dec. 22- Dec. 26) • Transportation • Career Enhancement Program – may reimburse up to 2 courses of $400 maximum per course • Membership Assistance Program • Equipment
(*) Changes / Revisions to be included in the new CBA include: • Management Rights – a Sideletter agreeing that no drug testing or discipline relating to drug testing results without prior advice and consent of PHPA • Standard Player Agreement revised to reflect League Ownership entity change from WPHL1 to Central Partners, LLC • Salary Cap - $11,000 fixed per week, plus team is permitted to spend additional $1,000 per week for any player purpose at their discretion • NHL/AHL Affiliate Payment – increased from $500 to $525 • Bereavement Leave – player entitled to four (4) family days with pay and travel paid by team – language – Club “shall” pay travel, not “may” pay travel • Per Diem – remains at $31.00 per day, but extra dinner every five (5) days on the road revised to one extra dinner following seven (7) or more days on the road • Suspension of Operations – team’s letter of credit shall include coverage for player obligations such as insurance, salary, travel reimbursement, etc. • Player Discipline – language created to ensure that if a team that releases a suspended player, the team’s roster and salary cap are treated as if player was not released during term of suspension • Off-Ice Insurance – team will pay all premiums associated with off-ice insurance coverage for players and dependents; initial proposal revised to eliminate calendar-year deductibles and replaced with one (1) plan year deductible • Workers’ Compensation – provision being created to provide for Workers’ Compensation coverage for Canadian-based players (Brampton Beast) • All-Star Break – there shall be a three (3) day break irrespective of whether an All-Star game is played. Players, at their option, may participate in appearances / promotions during All-Star Break. • Final/Binding Arbitration – complete re-write to avoid delays, skirting of obligations, etc. to ensure timely and effective resolution of player grievances/disputes
- Aaron Dell has been called up from his Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) team to the Norfolk Admirals (AHL). Utah has an affiliation with Norfolk and Norfolk has an affiliation with the Anaheim Ducks (NHL). The Ducks had a goalie injury so they called up a goalie from Norfolk which left an opening in Norfolk which Dell filled. Probably a short term call up but a great experience for the young goaltender. Congrats to Aaron.
- For those going to the game tomorrow (Sunday) make sure to arrive early (NLT 3:40 pm) so you don't miss any of the pregame ceremonies. It should be one to remember.
DID YOU KNOW: Tommy Daniels was a traffic reporter for radio station KRLD for about a year. Every morning and evening flying around Tarrant county in a helicopter reporting on traffic.
.JPG)
