http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...240/story.html
Quote:
"I've talked to T.J. about this," acting general manager Jay Feaster said last weekend after Brodie sat out. "He's a young player, and it's going to take a little time for him to respect the American Hockey League."
Respect the American Hockey League?
"I think because of the taste he had at the NHL level - the success at the NHL level - I think he went into Abbotsford with a total lack of respect for the quality of play."
[...]
"Those of us who have spent a career in the minor league know the quality of play in the American League," Feaster said. "That was one of the things we discussed with T.J. when he was sent down. 'Don't assume because you're the last one sent down, that you're the next one up.'
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Very interesting that Feaster said this, but this is what I meant in a previous post when I suspected that Brodie's ego may have been getting to him and it reflected his gameplay.
What makes me a little uneasy though is what Playfair said in the article how he wants Brodie to develop his defensive game more. I just hope it doesn't stifle his offensive side:
Quote:
"T.J. came down here and he was in a rush to get back to the NHL," Playfair said. "He was playing a little bit out of control, and we're trying to get the base of his play back in order. [...] My biggest thing with T.J. is that I'm mandating he become a better defender."
"Obviously now, my main focus is staying back and playing more of a defensive role," Brodie said. "Leave it more to the forwards to create the offence.
"I just got away from the defensive side and tried to do too much offensively."
"My game has always been offensive. Skating. Joining the rush. But there's a time to do it and a time not to. Sometimes, it's better to just take a couple strides and get rid of the puck. Let the forwards do their jobs."
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