BlackBearFan
09-11-2002, 08:05 AM
"from the Boston Herald 9/11/2002
http://www.bostonherald.com/sport/bruins/bs09112002.htm
BRUINS
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Little Bruin tries to make big mark
by Stephen Harris
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
WILMINGTON - In a Bruins rookie camp featuring a slew of big and talented defensemen - the likes of Shaone Morrisonn, Lars Jonsson, Zdenek Kutlak and Milan Jurcina, all of them 6-foot-2 or taller - it would be easy to overlook Peter Metcalf. It wouldn't be the first time Metcalf has been overlooked.
Maybe 6-foot and 200 pounds, and lacking the fluid skating style of many of his peers, last year's University of Maine captain does not have the appearance of a top prospect. But appearances can deceive.
``This is nothing new for me,'' said Metcalf, who signed with the B's in June after Toronto relinquished his draft rights. ``I had to prove myself at Maine and even in high school. I'm not, you know, the typical defenseman who's drafted in the first round. I'm not the real flashy scorer, I'm not 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5, I'm not going to stick out. But if you follow me throughout the course of a season, a lot of people have told me that I'll turn into a No. 1 guy. I'm here to try to open some eyes. I'm going to have to prove myself.''
The Pembroke native proved plenty about himself last year at Orono, on and off the ice. On Sept. 24, 2001, longtime Black Bears coach Shawn Walsh, 46, died of cancer. As assistant Tim Whitehead took over the team shortly before the start of the season, Metcalf's role as team captain took on a far greater importance - especially after the season did not begin well, the Black Bears winning only three of their first nine games.
Before the season was done, of course, Maine would fashion a 26-11-7 record and make it to overtime of the NCAA championship game. The Black Bears lost, in heartbreaking fashion, to Minnesota.
``It was a difficult time with the death of coach Walsh,'' said Metcalf. ``I had to step up a little as far as responsibility and leadership. I was proud of the way our team played last year.''
Like Jack Parker at Boston University, Walsh sent dozens of players on to pro hockey, and was always honest about their chances of making it in the pro ranks.
``He always brought the best out in everyone at Maine,'' said Metcalf. ``He certainly brought the best out in me. He said I had a good chance to go on to the pro level. He said, `You might not make it to the NHL club right away, you might have to play in the AHL for a year or a half a year. You're the type of player who's going to have to impress some people. But with all you've got, and your leadership, you'll be fine.' ''
It seems a sure bet that the 23-year-old's first pro coach will be new Providence (AHL) skipper Mike Sullivan. With a dozen more experienced defensemen above him on the organizational depth chart, Metcalf will begin the season in the minors. But the B's will not be surprised if Metcalf proves he belongs with the big club.
``He's sort of like an old school defenseman,'' said assistant GM Jeff Gorton. ``There isn't really anything real flashy about him, but his decision-making is good. He's the kind of guy, if you tell him to do something, you don't have to tell him twice.
``He's got to learn to play a little more defense - he's not at UMaine anymore. But he's a real competitive kid, an overachiever, and he's won everywhere he's ever been. He comes from a great family. He's a real easy guy to root for.''
http://www.bostonherald.com/sport/bruins/bs09112002.htm
http://www.bostonherald.com/sport/bruins/bs09112002.htm
BRUINS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Bruin tries to make big mark
by Stephen Harris
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
WILMINGTON - In a Bruins rookie camp featuring a slew of big and talented defensemen - the likes of Shaone Morrisonn, Lars Jonsson, Zdenek Kutlak and Milan Jurcina, all of them 6-foot-2 or taller - it would be easy to overlook Peter Metcalf. It wouldn't be the first time Metcalf has been overlooked.
Maybe 6-foot and 200 pounds, and lacking the fluid skating style of many of his peers, last year's University of Maine captain does not have the appearance of a top prospect. But appearances can deceive.
``This is nothing new for me,'' said Metcalf, who signed with the B's in June after Toronto relinquished his draft rights. ``I had to prove myself at Maine and even in high school. I'm not, you know, the typical defenseman who's drafted in the first round. I'm not the real flashy scorer, I'm not 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5, I'm not going to stick out. But if you follow me throughout the course of a season, a lot of people have told me that I'll turn into a No. 1 guy. I'm here to try to open some eyes. I'm going to have to prove myself.''
The Pembroke native proved plenty about himself last year at Orono, on and off the ice. On Sept. 24, 2001, longtime Black Bears coach Shawn Walsh, 46, died of cancer. As assistant Tim Whitehead took over the team shortly before the start of the season, Metcalf's role as team captain took on a far greater importance - especially after the season did not begin well, the Black Bears winning only three of their first nine games.
Before the season was done, of course, Maine would fashion a 26-11-7 record and make it to overtime of the NCAA championship game. The Black Bears lost, in heartbreaking fashion, to Minnesota.
``It was a difficult time with the death of coach Walsh,'' said Metcalf. ``I had to step up a little as far as responsibility and leadership. I was proud of the way our team played last year.''
Like Jack Parker at Boston University, Walsh sent dozens of players on to pro hockey, and was always honest about their chances of making it in the pro ranks.
``He always brought the best out in everyone at Maine,'' said Metcalf. ``He certainly brought the best out in me. He said I had a good chance to go on to the pro level. He said, `You might not make it to the NHL club right away, you might have to play in the AHL for a year or a half a year. You're the type of player who's going to have to impress some people. But with all you've got, and your leadership, you'll be fine.' ''
It seems a sure bet that the 23-year-old's first pro coach will be new Providence (AHL) skipper Mike Sullivan. With a dozen more experienced defensemen above him on the organizational depth chart, Metcalf will begin the season in the minors. But the B's will not be surprised if Metcalf proves he belongs with the big club.
``He's sort of like an old school defenseman,'' said assistant GM Jeff Gorton. ``There isn't really anything real flashy about him, but his decision-making is good. He's the kind of guy, if you tell him to do something, you don't have to tell him twice.
``He's got to learn to play a little more defense - he's not at UMaine anymore. But he's a real competitive kid, an overachiever, and he's won everywhere he's ever been. He comes from a great family. He's a real easy guy to root for.''
http://www.bostonherald.com/sport/bruins/bs09112002.htm