Now, what you're about to read may surprise you. In fact, shock, is probably a more apt description. Stunned, no doubt, some of you will be. Anyway, here goes nothing: Teenagers read newspapers.
Stop laughing.
It's true. Colton Gillies admitted as much following the Minnesota Wild's practice at UBC on Friday. The Wild winger was sharing a touchinglanguage software story that basically comes down to Ryan Kesler giving Gillies a reality check when … It just slipped out. Just like that.
“It was my first year in the NHL and first time playing here and there was an article in one of the papers I was reading about how when Ryan Kesler first came into the league he was more focused on the defensive side of the game and earning the coach's trust that way,” said Gillies, in the leadup to Saturday's game between the Wild aSupra Shoes nd Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena.
“He focused on his strengths first and obviously continued to work on his game and look at where he is now. That was amazing what he did last year. I just took that for what it was worth and am trying to focus on my game that same way.”
Gillies was selected 16th overall by the Wild in 2007 and was thrust into Minnesota's opening night roster the following year. Yes, it was a coup for the then-19-year-old, but one he now concedes created unrealistic expectations among fans and, more importantly, for himself. The White Rock native spent almost half of his rookie season in the press box, finishing with two goals and five points in 45 games.
That was two seasons ago now, most of thos Supra Shoese spent with the Houston Aeros.
Gillies said he went to the AHL not knowing what kind of player he was. Worse yet, he had no idea what he could become.
"I was always more of a more skilled guy, but after reading that piece I realized I had to use my strengths a lot more if I wanted to play in this league," said Gillies, a great skater for someone 6-4 and 210-pounds. "Things like my speed, it's more of a north game for me now. I chip it in and go get it. I have to hit, use my body.”
Gillies scored 11 goals and had 26 points in 64 AHL games last season, but it wasn't until the playoffs did things really start to click. The former Saskatoon Blade scored seven goals and had 12 points in 24 games in the run to the Calder Cup, before being eliminated by Binghampton Senators in six games in the championship final.
“Most young players have to figure out what they have to do to be successful and he was no different,” said Wild head coach Mike Ye Supra Vaider o, who was behind the bench with Houston last season. “Once you build your foundation, then you can build and grow from there. By no means are we satisfied or is Colton satisfied with being where he is at right now. We want Colton to continue to grow and evolve as a player, but with that he has to stay true to what he has to do to be successful.”
That being a physical forechecker and quality dSupra Vaider Lowefensive player. A guy who was still on the ice taking shots long after his most of his teammates had showered and dressed. Someone who knows his role, thanks to the power of newspapers … And some guy named Kesler.
本文由 www.languagelearningsoftware.cc 整理并发布
|
