Every year, a different NHL city hosts the Entry Draft. It’s an exciting time for all the young players. For a lucky few, the team hosting the draft drafts them. They get to walk up on the stage in front of the fans they will hope to play in front of someday.
In 2010, the LA Kings hosted the Draft at the Staples Center. With their second round pick, they selected Tyler Toffoli. While he was both nervous and excited the day of the draft, he is excited that he went to LA. Less than three years later, he got the very exciting chance to play in front of the same fan base from being drafted. Getting into a first NHL game is something every kid dreams of doing.
“It was really cool and it was a really good experience. It turned out to be a lot of fun,” Toffoli said. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming into the season. It turned out well. I’m happy about it and just have to look forward to next season now.”
Not only did Toffoli get into 10 NHL games during his first season, but he also scored his first two NHL goals during that time. Unfortunately he does not currently have the puck he scored that first goal with. But, it will be something that he always remembers. More than that, he loves playing in front of the fans in LA.
“It was incredible. Just scoring a goal in the NHL is a dream come true,” said Toffoli. “The fans are awesome. Not even with scoring goals every night, the fans at Staples Center were incredible. It was just a good experience.”
The 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions made the playoffs again during the 2012-2013 season. This time, Toffoli got the chance to take part in LA’s postseason run. He scored another two goals in the 12 games he got into. It was invaluable experience for the young forward.
“It was good. I was trying to help the team and contribute, not only offensively. I wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win,” Toffoli said of the playoffs. “We were doing good there, but unfortunately we lost. It was definitely tough but we have to look forward to next season. We lost to the Stanley Cup Champions so it’s tough but Chicago is a really good team.”
While playing with the Kings during the playoffs, he had an opportunity that not every hockey player has.The Kings faced off against the Blackhawks during the Western Conference Finals. Even though the Blackhawks won the series and went on to win the Stanley Cup, Toffoli will remember that series for a different reason. He found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was not the most flattering picture, but he’s not embarrassed about it at all.
“Oh, I thought it was pretty awesome actually. It was pretty funny,” laughed Toffoli. “All my friends said it doesn’t matter what you look like on the cover, you still made it. It’s pretty cool. I definitely bought a couple for myself and my family.”
Before getting a shot to make his NHL debut, Toffoli was making a name for himself in the AHL. The transition between junior hockey and professional hockey can be a big adjustment for some. The numbers that he put up during his first pro season seem to speak for themselves, though.
“I don’t know if I would say I struggled, it was just a different experience. It was a big difference for me to learn to do everything off the ice,” Toffoli said. “I was with a good group of guys and I got a good opportunity. I just kind of ran with it and didn’t look back.”
While he gives a lot of credit to playing with good teammates, it cannot be overlooked that Toffoli is a talented player. Through 58 games playing with the Manchester Monarchs in the AHL, he had 28 goals and 23 assists. That earned him the honor of being the AHL Rookie of the Year. He also helped the Monarchs make it to the playoffs at the very end of the season.
“It was the opportunity I had and the chemistry I had with my line mates that was key. Tanner Pearson and I were really quick. We had a really good year,” Toffoli said, still giving credit away. “The award (Rookie of the Year) is something cool to have. It really speaks to the opportunity I had and the success I had with my team. It shows we worked together.”
Another part of the reason that he seems to have adjusted so seamlessly to playing professional hockey comes down to his time spent in the OHL. Toffoli spent 4 seasons playing for the Ottawa 67s and feels that time really shaped him to be the player that he is now. It was great for his development to play there.
“I just learned how to play the game and be a professional. I worked hard and learned to not be a one-dimensional player,” Toffoli said about his time in Ottawa. “You have to work hard in all three zones and try to get better every single day. I feel like they did really well with that and I had four really good seasons. That’s a time I’ll never forget.”
Now that he has his first professional season in the books, Toffoli knows that there are things he needs to work on. He had a better opportunity than most for his first season, playing in the NHL playoffs. But, having had that experience tells him what he needs to work on to earn a more permanent spot on the Kings roster.
“I have to work on everything. I have to be stronger and faster. I have to work on my game as a whole,” said Toffoli. “I’m getting an opportunity and I have to keep getting better to earn my spot and stay in the lineup.”
Playing in the NHL full time is something that every kid dreams of growing up, especially when they have been playing most of their lives. It was no different in this case.
“I think was 3 or 4 when I first started and then I was probably 5 or 6 when I first started playing hockey. Being in Canada you start pretty early,” Toffoli said.
Throughout his whole hockey career, Toffoli sites his parents as his biggest influence. It can take a lot of time and commitment to support a young hockey player. There are a lot of games far away and early morning practices. Players often have to move away at 16, like Toffoli did when he moved to Ottawa to play for the 67s.
“They went to every away game they could make. It was definitely a really cool time and a really good experience,” Toffoli said. My mom and dad didn’t like to miss many games so they made a lot of road trips. It meant a lot to me.”
Toffoli also got good advice about playing hockey when he was younger that has stuck with him. Even though it might be simple, it is something that he still remembers. It goes to show how the simple things can be the ones usually overlooked, but they can also be the most important lessons to remember.
“I believe in working hard and trying to be better every day. It goes a long way,” Toffoli said. “When you get older, you realize how important working hard every day is and how much it helps. It seems simple, but it goes a long way.”
Next season, Toffoli is looking forward to bringing that same work ethic to his game. With any luck, fans can look forward to seeing him earn a permanent spot with the Kings. However, even if he ends up in the AHL with Manchester, he will still work hard. He knows the opportunity ahead of him and that he has to make the most of it.
Boston Bruins resident tough guy Shawn Thornton has a reputation around the league to enforce, he’s a tough guy on the ice. Off of it, Thornton strives to use his name for the greater good of causes close to his heart. Always a friendly face within the community, Thornton has never shied away from lending time to charitable events, eventually founding the Shawn Thornton Foundation.
“The Shawn Thornton Foundation is dedicated to helping find cures for diseases close to Shawn’s heart, specifically, Parkinson’s and cancer. The Foundation will work towards this mission by raising awareness, funding innovative research and helping to relieve the burden and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.”
On August 12th, the fourth annual Putts & Punches for Parkinson’s Golf Tournament will hit the links at Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, MA.
Photo: NHL Bruins
“Raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, the event will kick off with a celebrity long drive competition, followed by 18 holes of golf with Shawn, as well as some of his teammates and other local celebrities. The evening will conclude with a cocktail reception, dinner, awards ceremony, and auction.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Parkinson Disease Association and the Boston Bruins Foundation.
If you’re looking for more information about the event, be sure to check out the Thornton Foundation.
Maine Wild junior hockey may be a brand new franchise in Biddeford, Maine – but the team is looking to win big battles on the ice against Northern States Junior Hockey League‘s top teams starting in September.
The Wild’s season will kick off Sept. 14 with three road games before hosting their first home game on Sept. 28 against the Waterville Valley Fighting Spirit at Biddeford Ice Arena.
For those fans who don’t want to miss a game, limited edition Maine Wild t-shirts will be available for purchase at every home game. Fans wearing their t-shirts to the Maine Wild home game will receive free admission.
“Even though we don’t have a home game until Sept. 28, I am looking forward to Sept. 14. We open the season against the Maine Moose, who should be a natural rival. They’re less than an hour away and it’s going to be a battle for who is the better team, and we want to be the better team and kick off that rivalry,” said Head Coach Mike Tenney.
Tenney is also excited to play the Fighting Spirit – the defending league champions – on opening night.
“The whole month of September will be exciting and a great way to kick off the season,” he said.
The Wild will invite Biddeford Youth Hockey families to their game on Nov. 16, as the team takes on the Wilkes-Barre Miners of Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
On Dec. 14, the Wild will host a Teddy Bear Toss in which all fans are invited to bring new or gently used teddy bears to toss onto the ice. The toss will take place after the Wild nets its first goal of the game. All teddy bears will be collected and donated to the Salvation Army as part of their annual holiday drive.
The Wild will host Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Maine during their Feb. 1, 2014 contest against the Maine Moose. The Maine teams will face off after the Moose was dormant in Northern States Junior Hockey League last year.
“The fun thing is all of our event nights are about kids and families, and that’s how you start out as a kid, just loving hockey. It’s a family atmosphere and that’s what I want our organization to be,” said Tenney. “I want it to feel like we’re a family. Having the special nights is great, we want to pull families into the rink.”
The Feb. 1 weekend series against the Moose is the Wild’s first of three weekends in which they host out of town teams: the Junior Mariners and the New England Stars.
“My other favorite part of the schedule is February because 7 out of 8 games will be at home, and to have the home games back-ended, that’s always favorable to make the playoff push. It’s easier to pick up points at home rather than to go into someone else’s barn and win there,” Tenney said.
Finally, the Wild will travel to Wilkes-Barre on March 1 and 2 of next year for a final series with the Miners before league playoffs begin.
Take a look at Maine Wild’s entire schedule here.
New England readers take note, if you’re searching for hockey as the summer comes to a close the 3rd Annual Kevin J Major Hockey Tournament will be facing off August 4th, 8-11th at Amelia Park Ice, Westfield, MA. The tournament is open to the public and free of charge, but will feature both a silent auction and raffles with some fantastic memorabilia. In addition, t-shirts, pucks, decals and skate towels will all be available to purchase with proceeds going to the foundation.
The tournament which first began in August of 2011 serves as an on-ice competition in loving memory of Kevin J. Major a young hockey player taken too soon. Kevin passed away in 2011 of an apparent drowning while enjoying a summer afternoon with three of his friends. It was later determined that Kevin had sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The tournament serves as a forum for the friendships forged by Kevin both on and off the ice, while raising funds for the Kevin J. Major Youth Sports Foundation as well as Kev’s Foundation. The Kevin J Major Youth Sports Foundation has been established to provide financial aid, to motivate, educate and encourage children 19 years and younger to take part in structured youth sports programs. While Kev’s Foundation serves to help raise awareness of “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” through education, cardiovascular screenings for young persons and to provide state of the art Automatic Emergency Defibrillators (AED) in our communities. Donations from these screenings will go towards purchasing AEDs for our communities.
While the tournament began with 12 teams, this years support has grown the event to 26 participating teams all vying for the opportunity to win. The tournament features 4 divisions and a multi-day celebration filled with hockey, music, food, raffles and memories. A and B divisions, “Old Boys” and Squirts will all participate, the A division roster runs as a who’s who of Western Massachusetts Hockey. High School stars, College stars. Junior stars. and now Pro players NHL, AHL, ECHL on down the line. You never know what type of talent will walk through the rink doors…
Multiple days of tremendous hockey, all while supporting a great cause, what’s not to like? For a complete tournament schedule and roster list, head here. The Pink Puck will be supporting the event beginning this Sunday, August 4th. If you head to the tournament, wear pink and rock the rink, we love to see our readers supporting great events!
We will never plug a product on our site unless someone on our roster has used it and approved it, it’s the Pink Puck way. One product in particular has us happier than the opening of hockey season, well, almost, is Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Pure Castile Liquid Soap. It’s a multi-purpose miracle, at least in terms of living the rink life.
Equipment Cleaner
3 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap
2 cups water
Spray Bottle
Pour both ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Lay out equipment, hockey bag, etc and spray with mixture, let air dry and voila, hockey stink gone. We’ve also sprayed this on the carpet in the trunk of the car where our equipment bag usually sits and let it air dry, it does wonders for the smell of your car interior.
Jersey and Sock Laundry Detergent
2-3 tablespoons (depending on load size) Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap
2-3 tablespoons white vinegar
Use instead of laundry detergent on your jerseys, undergarments, jills, jocks and socks, pour the mixture in with your clothing and run the wash as normal. The mixture is a little less harsh on the wear and tear front than regular detergent and it does a number on sweat stains and smells!
Body Wash/Quick Body Cleaner
3 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups water
Spray Bottle
Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Give mixture a good shake before each use. We’ve all had those moments where you come off the ice, excited for a hot shower and you’re greeted with an arctic blast of water that doesn’t change temperature. Your shower time decreases to a quicker than quick rinse, it’s all about how fast you can get in and get out. Use the body wash for an after skate scrub down, the olive oil will help moisturize your skin while the soap will work its magic. For the days that the shower is completely broken or you just don’t have enough time (hey, it happens), the body wash mixture is perfect to spray on and towel off.
Makeup Remover
1 teaspoon Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap
1 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
1 cup Distilled water
Small pump bottle or similar container
Mix all ingredients in bottle, shake before use. Apply to a cotton ball and take off makeup, it even works on tough mascara and eye-liner. We’ve all had that moment where you’re running from a prior makeup necessary engagement, to the rink where makeup isn’t exactly preferable. Keep a little bottle of this in your bag and you’re good to go. We use it as a daily makeup remover away from the rink as well. It’s gentle and leaves your face feeling clean and refreshed. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend trying the Dr.Bronner’s Baby Mild Version when it comes to makeup remover, but it’s not 100% necessary.
We love the lavender version of the product, but it’s important to note that any of the scents offered will work – Dr. Bronner’s features 7 other scents besides lavender. The 32 oz bottle retails from $10-15 depending on where you purchase it, but it’s certainly cost efficient, one bottle will last you months and months.
Canadians have an undying love for hockey. That love, often found at a young age, has helped to produce some of the most talented players in the league. Still a young talent at 23-years-old, New Jersey Devils’ Adam Henrique found hockey in his youth and never looked back.
“Growing up in Canada, everybody gets into hockey one way or another. When I was young I started playing in Burford, my hometown, we started playing here at the local rink. My mom and dad would take us to the rink and my older brother would play, every time he was playing, I was told I would complain and complain until finally they let me play with him,” said Henrique. “It’s nice growing up, my older brother and I played together when we were little and then when I was 6-years-old, my parents took me to the local AAA center in Brantford. Their friends were taking their son to tryout and that’s where it all started. I made the team and from then on until my OHL draft, that’s where I played hockey.”
Hockey, often a family affair, found its way into the Henrique household during the cold Canadian winters and still holds a place within the family to this day.
“I have three brothers. We all played. We grew up on a farm in Burford. We have a few ponds around the property, so every winter when it would freeze, we couldn’t wait to get down and play on the pond,” Henrique explained. “We had the snow blower and shovels out there and we would play until it was dark. All of our friends would come over and we would all be down there playing all the time. You would play until you were too cold to play anymore or there was no more light. That was something that was always fun growing up. Now my dad and my brothers, they still build an ice rink at home every winter when they can.”
Burford is a small community over 100km southwest of Toronto in Maple Leafs territory. While he currently wears red in New Jersey, Henrique has been sporting the color for years.
“Growing up, everyone around here is a Leafs fan, but I was a Wings fan and my favorite player growing up was Steve Yzerman. The first time I really got into watching hockey was when Detroit won back-to-back Stanley Cups and he was just the guy that stood out,” said Henrique. “When I was young, if I could have been anyone, it would have been him for sure. I was lucky enough to be able to meet him a handful of times now and it’s been pretty cool every time. He’s a very nice guy, knows his hockey and is a good guy to talk to.”
The commitment to hockey for any individual is endless. The strides taken to skate your way to the top are often successful because of family and especially parents.
“My parents, the way we grew up around here and the way my mom and dad had shown us how to grow up, everything is hard work, nothing comes easy.” Henrique continued, “Growing up on a farm, you work on the farm every summer. It’s tough work. It’s not that fun going to the farm everyday and having to work. It’s long, odd hours. I think that was something that taught me if hockey is something that I wanted to do, than I had to put everything that I had towards it. I could be older and take over the farm, or I could want hockey to become my life, my job, my career.”
Photo: Spitfires
Perhaps the farm could be a fall back plan. In the meantime, Henrique has found success on the ice and is making a mark in a franchise known for its devotion to players. Before the Devils, he lit up the ice for four seasons with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, a team and organization that holds a special place in both his professional development and heart.
“It was huge for me going there and being able to play under Bob [Boughner], Warren [Rychel], and DJ Smith. They’re guys that have played in the NHL and knew what it took to make the jump from juniors to pro level,” Henrique said. “Going in there our first year we knew we were going to have a young team. A team that probably wasn’t going to be very good, but they were committed to us and we were committed as players to be able to grow that program.”
A program that proved successful during his four seasons with the organization, netting the Spitfires the Memorial Cup in both 2009 and 2010.
“It worked out. We became much better our second year and went on to win our third and fourth year. I think it shows now that the way those guys handled us as young players there worked,” he added. “I think there’s 13 players from two Memorial Cup teams that have played games in the NHL. It’s just a tribute to those guys, what they taught us and how we came along as an organization.”
Amid a successful run in the OHL, Henrique was drafted by the Devils in the third round, 82nd overall during the 2008 NHL entry draft. It wasn’t until the 2010-11 season that he joined the Albany Devils, the American Hockey League affiliate of New Jersey. He hit the NHL ice with the big club in April of that season.
Photo: Albany Devils
While many players jetted off to Europe during the 2012-13 lockout, Henrique was afforded a different opportunity and headed back to Albany.
“It was nice that I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to play and traveling overseas. It was just going into a regular season for me. I had to be at training camp at this time and then the season started on time. I played a year there before, so I was comfortable with the coaches and the players on the team,” said Henrique. “It was nice to be able to not have to worry and just have a place to play. I got hurt there for a couple of months and missed the majority of my time there. My first year there in Albany was a success. It was something I needed along the way to grow my game and learn how to become a professional. Being on my own, it was a good year and it was something that was needed.”
With a growing list of accomplishments already on his résumé including Calder Trophy finalist and Stanley Cup Final participant, it’s humbling to hear that his greatest memory wasn’t the first time he hit the NHL ice but revolves around the start of his career.
“I don’t know if there’s just one. Obviously winning two Memorial Cups has to be the best. Just the group of guys that we won with there, guys that I played all four years in Windsor with,” said Henrique. “Just where we came from as an organization there with the same coaches and there was some turnover but they really stuck with the core group of guys from our draft and to be able to win back-to-back Memorial Cups was something special.”
Back-to-back Memorial Cups may rank the highest for Henrique, but other accomplishments come to mind as well.
“Playing in the World Juniors was a dream come true for me. It’s something that every hockey kid dreams of – and then to get drafted the the NHL. Then to be able to play in a Stanley Cup Finals my first year, I guess I could have asked for something better, it would’ve been nice if we’d won,” said Henrique.
As is customary among hockey players, it never seems to be what a memory meant to themselves, but how it affected those around them. It’s never “I”, it’s always “we”, and while Henrique’s playoff success propelled the team further, it meant so much more.
Photo: NHL
“Just to be able to get there and to have the two overtime series winning goals was something very special. Especially in the game against the Rangers, I’ve learned how much that goal meant to not only Devils fans but the whole organization. Just to be able to have such a big part of it is something that I’ll never forget.”
Plagued with injury during his AHL lockout stint, Henrique went on to tally 11 goals and 5 assists during the remainder of the 2013 NHL season. The past in the past, it’s now about looking towards the upcoming season and improving the game.
“You can always improve your entire game, but I want to be more consistent from start to finish throughout the whole year. Not only play a number of good games in a row but keep the consistency. You’re going to have a bad game once in awhile, but ultimately, I want to be consistent start to finish.”
Similar to many teams in the league, the Devils will have new faces come September. As players say goodbye to teammates and friends, it’s ultimately about bettering the team.
“I’m excited for the season to start. It’s been pretty much a long summer, but with the moves that the team has made, how could I not be excited,” said Henrique. “There has been a few changes, but I’m excited about the additions that Mr. Lamarello has made. Bringing in Corey [Schneider], a younger goalie was a huge move for the future of the team. Picking up [Ryan] Clowe, [Michael] Ryder, [Jaromir] Jagr. I’m ready to get back and get started, I think a lot of guys would say the same thing.”
A sight to see on the ice and a childhood idol for many of his teammates, Jaromir Jagr is always cause for excitement.
“It’s going to be pretty cool to have him in the locker room,” laughed Henrique.
Stuck within close proximity of two other NHL franchises, the New Jersey Devils may not often get the credit they deserve among the NHL. However, the team and its fans can be classified as a tight knit hockey community that is constantly growing.
Photo: Devils
“It doesn’t seem like hockey is huge in New Jersey, but you get to the rink and the fans there are just so passionate about the game. They’re always loud, always cheering, they have chants every single game that we play – especially during rivalries like the Rangers,” said Henrique. “They just love the game, it’s awesome to see. I think it’s great, how much hockey has grown there over the past handful of years. Hockey has really picked up in the area and you can see it with our fans everyone gets more and more excited each year and I hope it continues to grow there.”
With the season currently not in session, many players head back to their hometowns for a little rest, relaxation and preparation for the upcoming year. While off-season training regimes are fairly consistent across the league, it’s the time outside of the gym and rink that offers a mental reprieve. #14 spends the off season back home in Ontario, acting as a regular Joe and not the superstar forward fans make him out to be.
“You caught me in the middle of a bunch of yard work, wouldn’t say it’s a typical day, but it’s my day today,” Henrique laughed. “Usually I wake up, go to the gym. Cutting the grass, weed-whacking – it’s nice getting away from hockey. I live out in the country here. I enjoy being out here. It’s quiet and much different than being right in the city. Coming home is my favorite.”
While most of the summer is spent back home in Ontario, the New Jersey community still remains an important part of the off-season for Henrique.
“I was in New Jersey doing a hockey school last week, 8- to 10-year-olds and 12- to 14-year-olds. But it went really well and was a lot of fun.”
Like many of his NHL colleagues, outside of the rink it’s about being a regular guy and enjoying life. A denizen of the big city for half the year, it’s bucolic home life that best represents Henrique’s personality.
“I’m laid back. I’m not the most outgoing guy, but I’m laid back, go with the flow. I enjoy my time away from the rink. It’s nice and quiet when I’m at home, don’t have to worry about traffic in Burford. It’s nice and reflects my personality a bit.”
Whether on the ice or off of it, it’s easy to see how Adam Henrique has worked his way into the hearts of Devils fans. Just a humble Canadian guy, focused on playing the game and enjoying every minute of it.
There are a lot of different positions to fill when making up a winning hockey team. The obvious players are the forwards that score a lot of goals, a solid goaltender, and defenseman that aren’t afraid to sacrifice their bodies to protect their goalie. But there are other players that are just as valuable but can sometimes get overlooked. Players that deliver the hard hits and drop the gloves to defend their teammates can change the momentum of a whole game.
Jimmy Bonneau is getting ready to kick off his 9th professional season and has made his living as a hockey player that is not afraid to fight. The native of Baie-Comeau, Quebec definitely knows the importance of a player like himself. He has dressed for 404 regular season games between the AHL and ECHL so far, registering 144 fighting majors. He will be joining the Worcester Sharks for a third season and knows the importance of his role.
“It definitely takes some of the load away from guys that play a physical type of game. They know that I’m going to be there to deal with tough stuff. Then the more I play, the more I can bring a physical part myself too with the hitting and the stuff that isn’t actually fighting,” Bonneau said. “I think it’s a pretty important role, especially in the east. In the Sharks division in the AHL, it’s usually really tough. I think it’s a great fit for me.”
Fans might assume that there are games fighters go into expecting a fight with a certain player. While sometimes things carry over, many times it’s just about the heat of the moment. Over the last two seasons, there have been cases where he expected something against a team from the same division. Rivalries form quickly and tensions often run high.
“You kind of know the guys you’re going to have to face if stuff happens. Sometimes there’s carry over from previous games. I can’t really say that tonight I know I’m fighting this guy. It’s just not how it works, you just have to go with the flow,” Bonneau said. “Sometimes it happens out of nowhere and sometimes you’re answering back to something that happened. There are a few players in the past few years that I’ve ended up fighting a lot. It’s not that I hate them or anything, it’s just part of the game.”
Now the QMJHL is not a junior league known as much for fighting and physicality. But when Bonneau was there, it was different. It was playing in that league that made him the fighter he is now.
“It’s changed a lot in juniors. Now, they’re trying to take some of the fighting out of the game,” said Bonneau. “When I was there, it was really physical and I was probably fighting 30-35 times a year.”
After his first season in the QMJHL, Bonneau was eligible for the NHL Draft. He would not have thought there was much chance of getting selected, but he worked to get noticed. He started fighting and playing a physical game.
“I wasn’t a guy that was always seen as an NHL type player or someone that would get drafted. I was initially surprised by the time that the draft came,” Bonneau said. “If you would have asked me two years before that if I thought I would get drafted into the NHL two year later, I would have said there was slim to no chance. I made things happen and I was really proud of myself.”
While it is obviously a huge honor to get drafted into the NHL, it is not a guarantee of success. Bonneau knows that the most important thing is to keep up a good work ethic.
“Getting drafted into the NHL doesn’t necessarily get you there. Lots of guys don’t even get signed after being drafted,” said Bonneau. “It’s a year-by-year thing and you have to keep improving. As long as you do that, you still have a shot, at least that’s what I think.”
As a 20 year old, Bonneau turned pro and says that it was not the easiest transition to make for a guy that’s used to fighting. While he was learning to be more efficient on the ice, he had to sit out games. He also struggled initially with earning a spot on an AHL roster as opposed to bouncing between the ECHL and AHL.
“That was an adaptation for me because the game is so much faster and the guys don’t let themselves 
get intimidated as easily as in juniors. You’re not dealing with 16 or 17 year old kids, you’re playing against men,” Bonneau said. “Kevin Dineen, the coach in Portland, really helped me become a full time AHL player. I was kind of a bubble guy before that year. He put me into the lineup and worked on my game a lot.”
There have been a lot of great memories that Bonneau has had so far as a hockey player. When he was playing in the ECHL, he won a Kelly Cup, something he will never forget. Being a Quebec native, he will also never forget the day in 2003 that the Canadiens drafted him. But, always having a positive attitude, he will always be happy when he signs a new contract to continue playing hockey.
“As happy as I was to get drafted into the NHL, I was just as happy when I signed my contract this year with Worcester, knowing I’m going to be back in the place I love. I have a new challenge ahead,” Bonneau said.
Now going into his 9th professional season, Bonneau still believes in always working hard and having a positive attitude. That is likely part of the reason that the Sharks wanted to bring him back for his 3rd season in Worcester.
“I didn’t exactly know how it was going to play out because now I’m an exempt and a veteran. They said they were happy with what I brought so they were going to check into their roster and see if they had room,” Bonneau said of his new contract. “Then, they called me back with an offer and that’s the place I wanted to go. I was thrilled.”
For him, there was never a question about where he wanted to play during the 2013-2014 season. He wanted to be with the Sharks. That’s something fans will definitely be happy to hear, as he has become a favorite there.
“I’ve just been really happy there the last two years. I get along great with the staff and the people from San Jose that come down. We have a good team to be around,” Bonneau said. “I really love it there and the fans are great to me. The organization and the city are good, there’s a lot of civility I got there, so I would like to stay there as long as I can.”
As a guy that’s going into his 9th professional season and his 3rd with the Sharks, Bonneau feels like he has a lot that he can offer off the ice as well as on the ice. On the ice he’s responsible for maintain order and sticking up for his teammates.
“I’ve been around the league a long time and I know the league. I know what it takes for young kids. Lots of times they’ll peak early and then start to fade away, like the guys coming from college who have never played that many games,” said Bonneau. “I just try to be there for them if they have questions or anything. I try to help them perform as well as they can.”
During his professional career, Bonneau has unfortunately been no stranger to having to sit out games here and there. He knows that it’s important not to let sitting out for a game or two get to you.
“I’ve always been the guy that loves the game and I want to play as much as I can. If you’re not in the line-up, you can still bring something to the team with a good attitude and work ethic. I’ve always tried to keep my head up and work hard,” Bonneau said. “I haven’t reached all my goals, but in some ways it’s paid off. I feel like I’m better than I’ve ever been, so I’m happy with my progression.”
Even though he is 28 years old now and talks about having been around the league awhile, he is still learning. He knows there are still things that he can learn and areas that might need work. He’s open to working on his game.
“My years are still wide open and I know I have lots of stuff I need to improve. Anyone that has a tip that’s going to help me in my game or in fighting or in my overall knowledge, I’m always willing to listen,” Bonneau said. “That’s what I love with San Jose with the staff there and in Worcester that take time with me. We have a great relationship that I appreciate. They’re a big part of the reason I’m in Worcester for a third year and why I enjoy it so much.”
At 6’3, 220 pounds, Bonneau is definitely a big guy. There are a lot of things he works on in the offseason relative to developing skill at his size. But, he also has to condition his body for a season full of fighting and physicality.
“I’m a pretty big guy and I try to work on my speed a lot to keep up with the game that keeps getting faster. I do lots of footwork stuff,” Bonneau said of his offseason training. “Then I have the usual weight training to keep my strength for the physical stuff and I do lots of cardio too so that I don’t run out of gas in games or in fights.”
“It’s a big focus of mine to get faster, I do a lot of power skating,” Bonneau added about looking faster his second year with Worcester. “I’ve tried to shed a little bit of weight too. I might have been a little heavier my first year in Worcester than last year. I think it’s helping me.”
As a veteran on the Sharks, Bonneau hopes that he can help younger players the same way he got help when he was just starting out. The role of a veteran in shaping a young player can be invaluable.
“I’ve had the honor to play with some amazing veterans. Ajay Baines, JP Cote that’s in Syracuse now, and Alex Henry are some of the guys that when I was a little bit younger really helped me,” Bonneau said. “They were big physical guys themselves. They were smart guys and they were vets. They were great leaders on the team.”
Bonneau can’t wait to get back to being in a rink with his teammates, his favorite place, for the upcoming season in Worcester. One goal he hopes to accomplish this season with the Sharks is to see the team make it back to the postseason. However, his biggest goal is the same as any hockey player.
“Making the NHL would definitely be my biggest goal. Is it going to happen or not? I don’t know but it’s not something I’m going to give up on, not until I’m done playing,” Bonneau said.
It can be hard to find any type of hockey fix in the middle of July, even though most of us hockey fans would love to have one. With hockey fans in mind, the Nashua Silver Knights have created a special night at an upcoming game. They have a lot of fun themed nights planned to close out their season, that is quickly coming to a close. One in particular caught our eye.
On July 28th, they have a double header with two seven-inning games. The game time is at 5:05pm and it will be Boston Bruins Night. Jumping Jack Flash the Frisbee Dog will be joined by current Bruin Daniel Paille. It is sure to be a night fans won’t want to miss!
The Silver Knights are a baseball team competing in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League as a summer collegiate baseball team. They play at Holman Stadium in Nashua, NH. Tickets can be purchased for $5 each. If you have a group of 25 or more, tickets drop down to just $3 each.
So, Bruins fans, if you’re looking for some good family fun this season, we recommend checking out the Silver Knights. We know we miss hockey and we’re sure you do too! You can check out the website for the Silver Knights here.
Most of us are guilty of loving the good old mac and cheese from the blue box, delicious and probably not so nutritious. For us, mac and cheese will always be part of the monthly meal rotation. We put a new twist on the old version, it’s quick and easy to make and will have you or your entire family dreaming of more on your way to the rink. We bring you Bacon, Asparagus and Brie Mac and Cheese – if you’re vegetarian, it’s just as good without the bacon, trust us, we’ve tried in both ways.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mini shells pasta, but almost any kind will ultimately work.
- 4 Tbs Butter
- 1-1.5 cups of Milk, if you like a thicker consistency, use 1 cup, 1.5 cups for a slightly lighter texture.
- 8 oz Brie Cheese
- 4-6 slices of Bacon chopped, the microwavable kind is perfect for quick cooking and cleanup
- 1 bag Frozen Asparagus cooked and sliced into 1 inch pieces
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil and add pasta, cook until al dente
- While pasta is cooking, heat your asparagus and bacon, chop both and put to the side.
- Once cooked, drain pasta and place back in pot
- Add Butter and Milk and stir on low heat until melted thoroughly
- Add chunks of the Brie Cheese (not the white casing) and stir until you get a smooth consistency, if it looks too thick, add splashes of milk until you reach desired consistency.
- Stir in asparagus and bacon
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy!
By Jaclyn Matisak
On Friday, it was announced that players from the National Hockey League were cleared to participate in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games taking place in Sochi, Russia. Today, USA Hockey named the 48 players, representing 24 NHL teams that will take part in the U.S. Men’s National Team Orientation Camp.
Camp, which is scheduled to be held on August 26-27 at Kettler Capitals IcePlex in Arlington, Va., serves to help pick and prepare the players who will go on to represent the Americans in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
The United States won the silver medal in 2002 and 2010, both losses to Canada, but the 2014 squad seems to be the nation’s best chance at the gold medal.
Dan Bylsma, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will coach the 2014 team, while David Poile, of the Nashville Predators, will serve as general manager. Both emphasized the importance of keeping together a core of players from the 2010 team.
Sixteen of the 48 players that were invited to camp are from Team USA that won the silver medal in 2010 in Vancouver. Among the returnees are three of the alternate captains, Zach Parise, who was Team USA’s leading scorer from the 2010 Olympics and whose goal with 22 seconds left sent the gold-medal game into overtime, Ryan Suter, one of the best American D-men in the game, and Dustin Brown, who led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Also highlighting the roster are Ryan Miller, Team USA’s starting goalie and the MVP of the 2010 Olympics; Patrick Kane and Jonathon Quick, the two most recent winners of the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; and Phil Kessel, who finished 6th in the NHL in goals and points at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season and led the Toronto Maple Leafs in goals, assists, and points in the 2012-13 season.
Jack Johnson is expected to return and based on how well they worked together in 2010 he will most likely be paired with Ryan Suter; Brooks Orpik is a shutdown defenseman who isn’t afraid to get physical.
Bylsma and Poile certainly have a solid pool of talent to choose from. In 2010 the Americans were the underdog and pulled off a surprising silver medal finish. Hunger for the gold this time around, if they could build an even better team than 2010’s squad, the Americans will be gold medal contenders. With the best goaltending by far in the world, a deep defense, and forwards who have a combination of size, speed, and skill Team USA will be strong, making it an exciting Olympic tournament.
The Olympic tournament is set for February 12- February 23, 2014, with the gold medal game on February 23rd at 7 am EST.
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Every year, a different NHL city hosts the Entry Draft. It’s an exciting time for all the young players. For a lucky few, the team hosting the draft drafts them. They get to walk up on the stage in front of the fans they will hope to play in front of someday.
Another part of the reason that he seems to have adjusted so seamlessly to playing professional hockey comes down to his time spent in the OHL. Toffoli spent 4 seasons playing for the Ottawa 67s and feels that time really shaped him to be the player that he is now. It was great for his development to play there.
