Friday, January 26, 2007
photo
Eric Weinrich
File photo by
Eric Weinrich will go from giving instructions to taking them as he switches from coaching to playing for the Pirates. On the other hand, "I know how to play (hockey)" after 20 years.
Less than six months after announcing his retirement as a professional hockey player, defenseman Eric Weinrich has signed to play for the Portland Pirates.
"I still have a burning desire to compete as a player," Weinrich said. "The Ducks have given me the coaching opportunity and they have allowed me to take this next step."
Weinrich, an 18-year NHL veteran, announced his retirement last August to become an assistant coach for the Pirates, Anahaim's AHL affiliate.
According to a team spokesman, Greg Glynn, Weinrich will step down as an assistant coach after signing a pro tryout contract, renewable after 25 games.
"Eric has brought a vast array of experience and knowledge to our organization," Pirates Coach Kevin Dineen said in a statement. "He will now be able to share these attributes on the ice as a teammate. We look forward to the second half of the season.
Asked whether Weinrich will suit up for tonight's game against the Providence Bruins at the Cumberland County Civic Center, Dineen answered: "He would be a good option."
Weinrich, 40, has been participating in the Pirates' practices as a player since Tuesday.
"I have been training pretty hard but it was definitely not for hockey," said Weinrich, who commutes to Portland on a bicyle from his home on Cousins Island in Yarmouth nearly every workday.
"I definitely have some work ahead of me, but I've played the game for 20 years and I know how to play it."
Portland's players appeared happy to have Weinrich join them as a player.
"He's a great addition for us not only on the ice but in the locker room," defenseman Aaron Rome said. "We have a lot of young defensemen on the team and it's great to bring in a veteran player like him."
During a pro career that began in 1988 with the old Utica Devils of the AHL, Weinrich played in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, St, Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks.
"For young guys coming in, it's huge to see how a guy like him carries himself off the ice," Rome said. "He's a real easy guy to talk to, and he will fit in with our group."
Weinrich has no plans to return to the NHL as a player.
"I will just be happy to make it through a game in Portland," he joked.
"I haven't even thought about playing in Anaheim."
When he announced his retirement as a player last summer, Weinrich said he had turned down a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames because he didn't want to subject his family to another move.
"The only reason this has a chance to happen is number one, I'm not changing the daily routine," he said. "I'm going to be still living in the same house, and that is the only way this would happen."
Weinrich grew up in Gardiner and played at North Yarmouth Academy and the University of Maine.
He played in a men's league game Sunday night at the Portland Ice Arena.
"I've got to get a release from them before I can do this," Weinrich joked. "I only played one game with them but I'm still on the roster."
Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 725-8795 or at:
Questions/Comments
North of the Border
Recently Seen
Pirates PlayOff Hockey Game - May 6
Propel event
Reiche Library Closure Protest
'What Happens in Vegas'
Granny's Burritos
The Stream Reggae Band
Where's the beach?
Casting Call
Reader comments
Sort by: Oldest first | Newest First
I am curious how he'll fit in both with the Pirates and the AHL, but with his experience he should be able to quickly get over any learning curve that comes with returning to the game.
Welcome back Weino!
GO PIRATES!report abuse
You must be a registered user of MaineToday.com to post a comment. Register or log in.