Don't mind if I steal a line from the "Beastie Boys", but in our line of buisness there is a code and the guys must learn it and play by it. Before I get into this to much, let me tell you my feelings about fist-a-cuffs in our sport. It has been a part of hockey since it's beginning, and remains the only pro sport that allows fighting. And, I believe it should be allowed. Here is why. It is NOT because I like to fight. In fact, I dislike fighting, personally. I have fought a few times, if you count a few punches and alot of wrestling. I was never really mad enough to try and hurt someone. It just... happens.That's probably why I wasn't a good fighter. But if you are not prepared to stick up for yourself, you may get injured. I know it sounds a bit barbaric, but this is the way it works, or has in the past. When a player from one team tried to take liberties with another player, like taking a run at your best player or maybe a goalie, or you take a cheapshot to the face, you or someone would make amends. Sometimes it was a series of marginal checks against the other team or maybe a cheapshot to one of their guys. More than likely, the player who inflicted the first infraction was challenged. So, as the code went, live by the sword, die by the sword. If you want to play on the edge, be ready to back it up. As hockey evolved, it was tit for tat. And, it actually kept most players fairly honest out there. And, the guys who just played the game hard and fair never really got into the rough stuff. The odd time somebody would have to stick up for a teammate, and this would garner respect not only from your own teammates, but would emanate around the league. It was never about being tough, it was about showing up. Letting everyone know you are willing. That was usually all it took to gain the respect. Like I said before, if someone took liberties, there was a response. So this is the code. But don't turn your nose up to hockey for this reason. Have you ever seen a pitcher throw at another player because the opposing pitcher did it the inning before? I mean, come on. I've had enough of the ol', "I went to a baseball game and a hockey game broke out" references. I can't remember the last bench clearing brawl I have seen in hockey. But, it is a regular occurance in baseball. OK, you say, "What about the Providence game, this weekend?" I knew that was coming. It caught me off guard as well as my coaching partners. The thing you must understand is one, I don't know the players all that well and there may be some old grudges we don't know about. Two, these guys are trying to make a name for themselves and sometimes you do what ever it takes to make a name for yourself. And three, our guys did not instigate most of the battles that night. I don't like the games that get out of hand like that, but in the end it was a victory and it sent a message to the rest of the league, that Portland won't go away lightly. Folks, I could count the number of scraps I had on one hand, and for this reason guys left me alone. I didn't play chippy. I was never a big fan of fighting. I did it if I had to or if I was aiding a teammate. I'll always respect the guys who are the "tough guys" because that is one job I would never want. Again, professional hockey allows fighting whether right or wrong. Amateur hockey doesn't. So, all you aspiring players can't drop the gloves. Don't even think about it. You will miss games and get a bad reputation. Become a good hard player who plays fair and if you have the game to make it to the bigs, then you, too, will fight for your right to belong in the Apple( the NHL)... Speaking of "tough guys", Trevor Gillies like most tough guys, is a great guy. But, not just because he sticks up for his teammates. He truly is a great teammate. Trevor knows he will not be in the line up everynight, but when his number is called, he is ready. We all know this is not easy, especially at this level. He could pout or get discouraged. But, he doesn't. He works his butt off and then cheers on his mates. To me, that is the sign of a great teammate and the mark of a true pro... One little tidbit with a twist of irony to it. The assistant coach for the Providence Bruins was playing in the AHL when I started. As the game when on the other night, amidst all the scuffles, it occured to me that Rob Murray was my counterpart in my first professional scrap. That's all you need to know about that... I'll tell you, I am exhausted by the end of the weekend, can you imagine how the players feel after 4 games in 5 nights? Hats off to all the players on our club...
Weino

As a newly appointed coach, I now take notice of what other coaches say to their players, what they say in interviews, or any other printed or taped conversations I can put in the memory bank of info. Somethings I really take interest in, other things I'll leave out of the file. As I may have stated before, many of the coaches I have played for made an impression one way or another, and I often find myself reverting back to them as situations arise during the work week. This past week a well known coach found himself on the front page of every sports section, as well as every talk radio show. Now, before I mention this situation, let me first preface it with a few thoughts. Coaches come in all shapes and sizes, and believe me, I have played for them all. The late Bob Johnson, who was like a father to his players, and for the short period I played for him never said one negative thing to our team. Can you imagine having your boss come in everyday and tell you what a great job you are doing, even in the worst of times? I'll tell you, it sure is fun to play for a guy like that and to be honest the guys played so hard for him. You felt guilty when you didn't. The man who coined the the phrase "It's a great day for hockey" will forever remain in my memories because of his positive energy and message. and who can argue with his success. On the flip side, there is "Iron" Mike Keenan, who was equally successful in a totally different approach. Mike Keenan challenged his players to confront him and he loved players to stand up for themselves and up to him. when a player backed down he was toast. But, he certainly rewarded those who got the message and tried to surround himself with these kind of guys. Not exactly my style, but when I played for him I believe he got the most I could give him. When he felt I had more, I certainly knew. I have heard stories of players of players going after him in his office and then singing his praises later. Let me make one thing perfectly clear. These are professional coaches and they get paid nice salaries to get their players to perform to the best of their ability and the bottom line in this profession is winning. They must wear many hats during the day. Sometimes the teacher, other times a psychologist or even a father type figure. They are coaching the best of the best. Many egos to deal with along with many personalities and nationalities. love them or hate them, they are hired to win and they must do it at any cost. I have been praised and confided in by some and others have screamed and humiliated me but in the end, I learned to respect all of them and talk of them as friends. Back to the situation the went on this past week. It involved Bobby Knight, one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. Coach Knight is known for his fiery if not unorthodox methods of getting his players to follow his instructions. This past week Coach Knight was trying to convey a message to one of his players, and in an instant grabbed or slapped the player's chin to make him look at his eyes while he was talking to him. Of course with media coverage nowadays, this would not go unnoticed. some people called it abusive, others thought nothing of it. The best point about the whole issue, in my opinion was stated this way. this coach has won over 800 games and many titiles. He had one of the best recruiting classes in the country and has a reputation of some questionable methods. Still, players want to attend the universities he is coaching. They have a choice, yet they choose him.

I'm not taking a line from Disney, but referring to the hockey world. Last weekend, for example, Wilkes/Barre/Scranton was coached by two former players, the head coach an old friend. We actually were teammates in high school on various teams for USA hockey, Todd being from Minnesota. We then crossed paths all through college right into the pro ranks. And now, both retired with families and loving the challenges of coaching.

But it started this fall for me, at training camp bumping into many familiar faces, ex-teammates, coaches and people from management. The hockey world includes a great group of guys, and in 18 years I really haven't played with any guys I couldn't get along with.

People have often asked if players put aside the gametime grudges and talk after games. The funny thing is in the past, before charter flights were introduced, the two teams would get together somewhere after games and share a few beers and stories. Can you imagine trying to run a guy through the boards one minute or getting into a scrap, the next minute minute your handing him a cold one asking how everything is going. There was always a sense of respect out there. Hey, it is a job but it is only a game, right? It was always with a sense of pride telling folks how down to earth these guys act. And, it is widely known throughout the world by writers and TV commentators how accomodating hockey players really are toward the press.

For this reason, I have struck up many great relationships and have had no problem joining a new team.

Why? Because we all are there for the same reason. We love the game and we love the comradery.

Just since the start of the season, Lowell, Worcester, Providence, Springfield and Wilkes/Barre all included players or coaches that I have played with somewhere down the line. And I have talked to other buddies on the phone who are involved from other teams we haven't seen yet. Not to mention the GM, Assistant GM, Director of player personel from the Ducks organization and my two coaching partners have all been part of my playing career. After 1200+ pro games, you cross paths with a few people...

A group of former Russian players have put together a team to tour the US and Canada playing against various former pros from over here. I have been asked to play in a few of the games and hope to make one at least.

My second pro season, players from the famed Red Army team, CCCP, made the long anticipated jump to the NHL. It has been debated for years whether or not these guys from our hated adversary in the east were the real deal. I can tell you first hand, they were and continue to be.

Imagine this developement program. It took them a little more than 20 years after they developed a national team to win the World Championships. And ever since have been a force. At one point, defeating this team was regarded as one of the greatest upsets in modern day sports, hence the reference to the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.

Why were these guys so good? I just happened to be a teammate of maybe the greatest duo to ever strap on the blades. Slava Fetisov and Alex Kasatonov were part of the first NHL team I played for in New Jersey. While playing for the US Olympic team, I watched in awe while these guys practiced, and marveled at the precision in which they interacted on the ice. There will never be a team built like the Red Army again for many reason and you will never see a group of five play together for so long again.

This was a very special arrangement in Moscow, and these guys lived together for almost the whole year, getting small breaks to visit family. They practiced two times a day and weight training in between while living in dorms together. They revolutionized training techniques and many of there methods were adopted by other countries. These players learned the game and played such a style that at times it was very hard to tell one skater from the next. It was almost mesmorizing to watch and agonizing to play against.

One of my buddies told me that in one game against the Russians, at the start of the third period, the Russian team controlled the puck for 8 minutes straight without giving it up once and there were no whistles! They would just pass the puck around, change lines and play keep away. Scary!

While I was in Utica, New York, in my second season in the minors, two Russians came to our team before they went to the big club. Kind of an acclimation period. Both defensemen to my dismay, but one of them the great Kasatonov.

My eyes never left him all practice. He had just gotten to the states that day, jumped out of the limo and had an hour and a half practice. Never missed a beat. The next day, we played a game and Alexei was named first star. As they announced his name, he skated out on the ice and did a salute around the arena. People looked a little stunned as Alex took his victory lap. The guys were laughing together watching while the people working for the team were trying to flag him down. Finally, it was decided to just let him enjoy the moment. How was he to know what you were supposed to do here? He couldn't even speak English so what was anyone supposed to tell him. That story surely circulated in New Jersey before he went up to join the Devils.

After the game, we all went to celebrate New Years Eve, and was the vodka ever flowing. We all joined Alex, communicating the best we could, for his Star of the Game and New Year celebration.

Different countries and cultures aside, we were all instant buddies. Alex and I became great friends, and although we haven't crossed paths in awhile, I will always consider Alex, Jeanette, and Leo Kasatonov part of my life.

Jeanette served me my first taste of caviar on a slice of bread covered in butter. I was hooked. There I was in Montclair, New Jersey, sitting in the home of one of the greatest players of all time and his wife, thousands of miles from the mother land, barely any English between the two of them and enjoying every moment.

What a small world, isn't?

I never expected coaching to be easy. There have definitely been some rewarding moments so far. Part of a win, talking with the guys, working things out among the coaches, and being home alot top the list. There are a few things that I have trouble with as a coach, though. Lately, they have really been tough to deal with. First, wanting to be on the ice, but I knew I would experience these feelings throughout the year. Then there is the subject of guys "sitting out", the worst part of hockey or any sport, for that matter. The healthy scratch, as it is known is when a player does not play in a game, but not because dressing because he or she is injured. There are extra players on most teams and not everyone can dress. As a player, the worst words from the coach are, "You're not in tonight." I learned as a player you can deal with the situation in two ways. Oneway is to get angry, sulk about, feel like the coach is trying to screw you. It leads to nothing good and just alot of negative thoughts. Of course, everyone goes through it, and it is only natural to feel this way at first. It is the competitive nature coming out. The other approach is to try and deal with the situation in a positive manner. Maybe talk to the coach, get his thoughts, have a good workout and then support the guys. I've had the upmost respect with players who can take these disappointments and turn them into a positive. One point in my career while I was playing for Chicago, I went through a stretch of games sitting out. It was tough but I was with another player who had a great attitude everyday and helped me deal with the day to day stuff. One day, after practice, the Hall of Famer Paul Coffey, talked to me for a while and told me not to get down. His advice was to work hard everyday and things would work out. He told me, "The cream always rises to the top." It wasn't long before I was traded to Montreal, and enjoyed 3 of the best years of my career. I played 8 seasons after that and many of those were the best years of playing and the best teams. It's ironic how things work out. I can certainly lend that advice to these young guys. As a coach, though it is much different. I really like all the guys and watching them experience this part of the game is one of the most difficult parts of coaching so far. At least I don't have to tell them, and I know it kills Kevin having to make the decision. If I ever become a head coach, this will be the part I will not enjoy...Former Maine Mariner great Steve Tsujiura stopped by the office the other day to say HI. He was one of my favorite players during that era, and there is not a nicer man around... I've found out that even coaches feel the wrath of disgruntled fans... This will be my first election as a Mainer and loving the feel of winter upon us... Well, this is my "day off" although that means working to get the house in order. Moving is a long process. This move will keep us put for awhile... Enjoy the warm weather today, Weino