Didn't see this posted. The Habs are going to be replacing the Blackhawks in the Leafs' annual rookie tournament in London.
Habs haven't participated in a rookie tourney in a long time so this should be interesting to watch.
Bergevin has drafted and signed free agent players that provide a proper balance, giving their rookie team some of the toughness required to compete against these teams. To long did the Habs go with the idea that refereeing would preclude the continual physical domination and cheap shots, against the opposing teams better talents, which was the reason the Habs stopped playing in this tournament.
The Habs had issues in the past with teams dressing goons and not wanting to risk having their prospects injured by some scrub on another team trying to make a name for himself with a big hit or a fight or something. Which is valid too, I guess. But I think the positives outweigh the negatives overall.
I do not for a minute believe that the rough and tumble tactics some players display are gone, it is more a matter of our team finally employing the necessary toughness in their players.
Oh yeah I remember all that, I never thought it was a valid enough concern, but I also think that the time of the goon has passed more and more. And I was glad the Leafs were out since IIRC they were the main culprits. I don't think that'll be a problem anymore but yeah, never know.
It truly would be a revelation if the NHL actually passed legislation that precludes the use of goons, but after 60 yrs. of waiting for that day to arrive, I no longer hold much hope of this being the case.
Yeah, doesn't seem to be much of an issue anymore. At least, I can't remember the last time I heard about a guy getting hurt by a cheapshot at a rookie tourney.
Probably due to the fact our team was not participating, so none of our players were injured.
With McCarron, and likely guys like Thrower, Crisp, Fournier, we should have a few guys that can take care of themselves.
Add Deitz, Lernout, Didier, McNally & Nick Sorkin(if he is resigned) to the list of teammates that will stand up for their small statured teammates. (skilled playmaking players with plenty of heart, just not capable of fighting the goons.) Still very glad our team does not adhere to the notion of leading by example, which our opponents took every advantage possible, fear tactics being first on the list. Bullying teams that cannot match the opponents Truculence, a term used instead of goon, hoodlum, or gangster(old Marlies teammates
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