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Brassard Craves Attention - Nov. 27, 2007 – Kevin Oklobzija
WHO KNEW A GOLF BALL could actually help a hockey player with his duties on the ice?
It certainly did for Derick Brassard, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ can’t-miss prospect who is piling up points with the Syracuse Crunch.
When Brassard was recovering from shoulder surgery last season and not allowed to skate for four months, a portion of his rehabilitation included his hockey stick and a Titleist.
“I went to the gym every morning,” said Brassard, the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft, “and my trainer said, ‘Bring your stick.’ I would stickhandle with a golf ball after I worked out.”
Considering Brassard’s puck skills, it’s doubtful he was going to lose any of his magical touch while off the ice. The golf ball drills may have been as much for his sanity as his hockey.
Brassard sustained his second shoulder separation during the Quebec League pre-season of 2006-07. Both he and the Blue Jackets agreed surgery was the best course of action. After racking up 44 goals and 116 points in 58 games in 2005-06, Brassard played only 14 regular season games last year and still managed six goals and 25 points. He added nine goals and 24 points during a 12-game playoff stint.
The way the 20-year-old Brassard is playing with the Crunch, it’s impossible to believe he ever missed any time last season. He scored four goals, a league-high 13 assists and 17 points through 14 games.
“This is my eighth year here and he’s the most skilled guy we’ve ever had,” said Crunch coach Ross Yates. “He’s heads and shoulders ahead of anyone that’s ever been here.”
One reason for the big numbers right away: The center loves attention.
“He wants the puck all the time,” Yates said. “He’s very receptive to constructive criticism and he’s very determined. He wants to score on every shot in practice.”
But he also knows he must be able to play a complete game before he heads to the NHL. If you can’t play in your own end, Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock won’t have much use for you.
“I know that,” Brassard said. “It’s probably best that I’m in Syracuse. I can get some confidence and learn the pro game.
“I want to be a better player. I want to learn the little details in the defensive zone.”
He also wants to win. He savored Drummondville’s ouster of the Quebec Remparts, the defending Memorial Cup champions, in the playoffs last spring.
Points are nice, but winning is better.
“I just want to play well for my team,” Brassard said.
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