|
KRLPhotos
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
607 Posts |
 Posted - 10/15/2009 : 1:23:28 PM
|
KALAMAZOO If the Kalamazoo Wings need an emergency backup goaltender, they wont have to look far only as far as forward/defenseman Sam Ftorek.
The 12-year veteran, who was named K-Wings captain on Wednesday, along with assistant captains Jeff Mason and Darryl Bootland, is a closet goalie of sorts.
Jeff Mason
However, hell be skating, not in net, when the K-Wings open their first season in the ECHL tonight at the Reading (Pa.) Royals, then play two games at the Trenton (N.J.) Devils, Saturday and Sunday, before opening at home against the Royals Oct. 24.
Ftorek, 34, grew up around hockey rinks while his dad, former NHLer Robbie Ftorek, played for various teams leading to his first goalie experience.
When my dad was in New York (Rangers), John Davidson, the goalie, was just a really tall guy (6-foot-3), Ftorek said. I was in second grade and he had me put the gear on after practice. While I was on the ice before (practice), he would let me score on him, then hed tackle me.
That made a good impression, and Ftorek already has plans for life after the pros if hes not coaching.
Darryl Bootland
When Im done playing and I go to a mens league, Ill be a goalie, he said. You just get too fired up when youre playing mens league and they find out who you are and they want to play hard against you. So Im like, you know what, Ill play goalie, even the playing field.
Ive already got all my gear except for a helmet. Ive talked to some goalies I know and theyve given me pants and gloves and blockers, so Im all set, except for a helmet, and Ill go out and splurge for that on my own.
So what if the K-Wings all of a sudden need a goalie because of call-ups or injuries?
Im ready; Id love to, Ftorek said. Ive played every position on the ice. I havent played pro goalie yet; Id love to, if we needed, just to be the backup. Usually once a year in practice, I get in there if we have a Christmas break and guys want to shoot on someone, Ill go in there just for fun. Youve got to keep it light.
Coaching is one thing that brought Ftorek to the K-Wings.
When Im done playing, I want to coach, and Nick (Bootland) being a second-year coach, he needs a little help at some things, he said, so Id love to come in and learn, Ftorek said. Anything I can bring on the ice as well as off the ice and in the community, thats what I want to learn. I want to learn to crack the back side of things.
Nick Bootland said Ftorek showed leadership qualities from the get-go.
Hes willing to help guys on and off the ice, he said, Right from Day One hes been taking players aside and talking to them about our systems, about little things they can improve on, whether it be footwork, quick hands or working on their shot. He just has leadership qualities.
Mason, 28, was assistant captain two years ago and captain last year with the Gwinnett (Ga.) Gladiators.
I lead more by example, Mason said. You dont have to talk a lot, youve just got to do it.
As for Ftorek, Obviously hes been around a long time; hes got a lot of experience, Mason said. He knows what it takes to be successful in this league. Its always good to have a guy like that who knows what it means to be a professional and come to work each day. As fun as it is, its also a job. Youve got to try to work and get better every day.
Said Nick Bootland: Masons been around in this league for a few years. Hes been productive. He has that on-ice presence; he has a calming (effect) in the room and a calming (effect) on the ice. I felt he was a great fit.
Darryls more on the lighter side and keeps guys light in the room and is always boisterous but, at the same time, hes a great example for these guys and he knows what it takes to get to the highest level, not just the next level. If you have a guy like that in your organization, you let him lead the way and, hopefully, they can learn from him.
Darryl Bootland, 27, said hes looking forward to wearing the A.
I wanted to come in here and be a leader, he said. (Being assistant captain) I wouldnt say its going to change my game play, but I think its going to help out with the refs, talk to the refs a little bit.
That was the big thing for me, to get the A so I could get a relationship with (the refs) and theyre not always after me, he added, laughing. Thats a good thing for me and Im looking forward to it.
Season opener
Kalamazoo at Reading
When: 7:05 p.m. today.
Where: Sovereign Center, Reading, Pa.
Radio: WLKM-FM 95.9.
Kalamazoo Wings vs. Reading Royals
Last year: The K-Wings (44-29-2-1) competed in the International Hockey League. The Reading Royals, in their ninth season in the ECHL, had a 24-42-6 record, finished seventh in their division and last of 21 teams overall.
K-Wings strengths: Team speed and experienced goaltending in Ryan Nie (career 71-33-10 record, 2.65 GAA), Julien Ellis (57-41-11 record, 3.11 GAA), who is on three-day injured-reserve, and Jeremy Duchesne (19-22-7 record, 3.61 GAA).
Readings strengths: Reading is always a hardworking team, usually a big, physical team. You can expect it to be a physical game, expect them to come out hard. They usually play pretty well in their building. K-Wings assistant captain Jeff Mason, who played against the Royals the past two years when he was with Gwinnett.
Preseason: K-Wings, 1-1-0-0 against Alaska Aces; Reading 0-2-0-0, against Elmira and Trenton.
Affiliates: K-Wings: San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers. Reading: Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins. |
The "Choco Taco" The Official Treat of The Cycward Chat room
"You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
~Wayne Gretzky
"Put the kids in with a few old pappy guys who still like to win and the combination is unbeatable."
~Conn Smythe |
|
Topic Locked
