It’s no secret to anyone who reads my articles, I have a soft spot for the grinders, the unsung heroes of the hockey teams.
They are the heart. They are the unselfish. They do the dirty jobs, clearing the way for the superstars, the guys that get all the press and highlights.
After all, I am still waiting to see my first SportsCentre top 10 filled with the best shot blocks, or penalty kill clears.
That’s neither here nor there though.
Without further adieu, I present installment one of a new regular series, shining some spotlight on the players who wouldn’t normally be able to bask in the glow.
It’s not that they mind going under the radar. It’s just I think they deserve the recognition.
After spending time with the Red Wings, time he surely doesn’t regret, Kyle Quincey is enjoying the life in Los Angeles and all it has to offer.
Great weather. Sunny beaches. Year-round patio parties. There is one thing though, he is enjoying probably more than all those things combined.
An opportunity.
A waiver pick up by the Kings earlier this season after Detroit tried to send him down, Quincey was given an opportunity by the Kings management team, and has rewarded their faith accordingly.
Since coming over from the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Kitchener, Ontario native has put up 22 points in 36 games, a direct response to regular minutes, plus some added powerplay time with the bevy of young, talented forwards the L.A. Kings can ice at any time.
And while it may be surprising to a lot of people at Quincey’s recent surge of output, he certainly didn’t come out of nowhere.
Quincey spent the 2002-2003 junior season on the blueline of the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. While only scoring 18 points in 66 games, he was a steady force on the back end, and managed seven points in 14 playoff games that year.
Drafted by the Red Wings in the summer of 2003, Quincey began the year in London amid constant trade rumours and rumblings.
He started his second season with London putting up two assists in three games. However, after just those three games, he was dealt as part of a blockbuster deal that seen him traded to the Mississauga IceDogs in exchange for future OHL superstar, and current Edmonton Oilers prospect Rob Schremp.
The move did wonders for Quincey, who similar to his move from Detroit to L.A., was given a bigger role, and flourished with the opportunity.
He posted 37 points in 61 games with the IceDogs. He earned a nod to the All Star game, and was an integral part of an IceDogs run to the OHL Championship finals. They were,however, swept by a powerful Quelph Storm team.
Once the disappointment of losing in the finals wore off, a motivated Quincey came to IceDogs training camp in the best shape of his life, and had the best year of his junior career.
Aside from posting 46 points in 59 games, Quincey also took home several individual honours. He represented team OHL at the Canada/Russia Challenge, and also went to his second straight All Star game. During the skills, he was the co-winner of the hardest shot competition, blasting a 95 MPH howitzer to tie former London Knights teammate Marc Methot for the honours.
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