[Ring of Fire]

Many people questioned the Colorado Avalanche - as they did the Predators - when Shane O'Brien was signed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract on July 13, 2011. Just like the team before them, though, the Avs realized that you can't believe all you read in the media. O'Brien himself said, "The reputation I had in Vancouver was not entirely true, but that is the way things go sometimes, they get blown out of proportion." He wasn't the only one who felt that way, either. Ryan Porth of Red Light Hockey District insisted that, "The stuff that came out about him from Vancouver was media-driven. He’s a great/fun guy. Nothing but a class act in Nashville."

O'Brien's "new" reputation is showing him for what a lot of people truly believe he is: a hard-working professional who brings grit and skill to the ice, as well as laughter and life to a locker room. He's also proving to be more than just an enforcer. In his first three games with Colorado, he has logged the fourth most time on ice both in even strength and on the penalty kill. He's also seen some time on the power play. All of the added responsibility has been deserved; through camp, preseason and now the early regular season, the 6'3", 230 lb defenseman has been one of the highlights.

http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/1...t-shane-obrien