gouche
Prior to the Calgary Flames opening of training camp last weekend, coach, Mike Keenan, decided to throw a challenge out to his big strapping forward, Todd Bertuzzi, who is about to embark on his first season in Calgary.
This former Vancouver Canucks’ superstar, who registered a career high of 46 goals in 2003, will be trying to get his career back on track; after seeing his stock plummet in recent years.
Bertuzzi, who is a former New York Islanders’ first round pick in 1993, enjoyed his most productive years, starting in the late 1990’s, with Vancouver; that lasted until March 2004. In early March he was suspended, indefinitely, and put the organization in a bad light around the league; after a highly publicized on -ice incident, where he attacked Colorado Avalanche forward, Steve Moore, from behind … ending his career.
In 2006, Bertuzzi, whose reputation was still at an all- time low, was shipped off to Florida, where, due to a series of back injuries, was a shadow of his own self.
After scoring only 14 goals and 40 points with the Anaheim Ducks last season, Bertuzzi’s contract was not renewed, and on July 7, he was given an opportunity in Calgary. Flames’ general manager, Darryl Sutter, decided to take a chance on this 12 year-veteran.
“He’s positive about himself, and about his opportunity here,” says Flames’ coach, Mike Keenan, who coached Bertuzzi 10 years ago in Vancouver .
“He views this, I’m sure, as a good — new start.” “He’s a lot more experienced than when I coached him.”
Not only is this player, affectionately known as ‘Bert’, getting a fresh start, with a new team, but also he is being given the ultimate challenge by Keenan to play on the first line, with Daymond Langkow, and someone he knows well — Jarome Iginla.
“It’s an opportunity that I’m really looking forward to,” said Bertuzzi, who played with Iginla during the Olympics. “I played a little with him on the power play and it was pretty comfortable. Hopefully I’ll have a good camp and we’ll get some chemistry going – and we’ll be a good 1-2 punch.”
Coming into camp, Iginla, who highly recommended Bertuzzi to management, was impressed with his fitness level, and is looking forward to what he brings to the team.
“Everybody knows him as a big power forward, but he’s extremely skilled and really great in front of the net – and a really good passer,” said Iginla. “I think it’ll be exciting. I’ve had an opportunity to play with him before and I really liked it.”
During the summer, Bertuzzi, who is from Sudbury, Ontario, made it clear that he wanted to play in Canada, and was excited about being reunited with Keenan in Calgary .
“He demands a lot out of you but – at the same time – he has a lot of respect for his players,” he said. “He knows how far to push individuals to get the best out of them.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Iginla is excited about the new additions; which include Mike Cammalleri, Rene Bourque, and Curtis Glenncross.
“Every year is exciting,” said Iginla. “There is so many options for Mike (Keenan), as far as where guys are going to play, and who fits best together; and until you see it during games — you never know.”
Starting on Tuesday night, the Flames will begin their exhibition schedule against the Florida Panthers.
“Yes, I’m excited about the start, and anxious to see the team on ice,” said Keenan, who has high expectations for his team. “I think there’s more of a buzz this year – than I’ve felt in a long time.”
No Comments Yet
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
