October 2002

Arron Asham finds niche on Long Island

When Arron Asham was traded to the New York Islanders for Mariusz Czerkawski during the 2002 draft, there was uncertainty as to what the Islanders had in plan for him.  Drafted by Montreal, Asham spent the past 4 seasons between the Candiens and Quebec of the AHL. When he was up in the NHL, he was a fourth liner seeing very little ice time.  The former Red Deer Rebels scoring sensation has shown his two-way talent in the past, but struggled to find his role in the Montreal organization.

However, things have drastically changed for Asham this year.  He has been given a second chance in the NHL by the Islander organization and is taking full advantage of the opportunity.  An impressive training camp showed a serious athlete, and Asham was placed on the 3rd line of the Islanders where he has shown tremendous improvement from his past seasons in Montreal.

So far, Asham is staying away from the enforcer role that he potentially could have filled, and is already demonstrating his potential for great defensive play on a checking line, as well as strong forechecking and good positional play.  He appears to fit in well with the organization, and will most certainly put up his best numbers yet this year.  It looks as if Arron has found his niche!

Darcy Johnson Finds Even Newer Home

In a whirlwind of a career, Darcy Johnson is finding himself playing for his third team in the past 8 months.  However, this team is different.

After showing much promise in his rookie season in the WCHL, Darcy had several offers and decided to sign with the Fort Wayne Komets of the UHL.  After playing only 3 games in Ft. Wayne, Johnson was waved by the team.  After clearing waivers, it was a wait and see situation until November 6, when the Orlando Seals picked him up.

Not only will Darcy be reunited with Zac Boyer, the current captain of the Seals, but he will playing for a team that as of his signing, is 7-0 in the new ACHL.  And, no one will dispute that Orlando beats Ft. Wayne hands down in the quality of living category.

Best of luck to Darcy!

Berube Honored for 1000 Game Mark

Craig Berube has shown that hard work pays off as the Calgary Flames held an extravagant ceremony early this week to celebrate his 1000 NHL game.

Berube, whom is thought to be the first true enforcer to reach the 1000 game mark, was presented with several gifts from the organization, including a plaque and bronzed stick.

Shark's Cheechoo Sees Action in First NHL Game

Jonathan Cheechoo saw regular ice time on the 4th line of the San Jose Sharks in his first NHL game October 10th.  The Native from Moose Factory, Ontario looked strong despite a 6-3 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

The Sharks continued their hard-nosed, checking philosophy by rotating all 4 lines throughout the game.  This gave Cheechoo the opportunity to show his forechecking skills and work ethic.  Although he did not score any points  he was even on the +/- , netted his first NHL shot on goal and forced the Wings to turn over the puck several times.