Peca the leader Leafs expected
Quote:
Peca the leader Leafs expected
November 20, 2006
TORONTO (CP) -- Michael Peca has delivered what was expected when the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him last July.
On the ice, he's been the shutdown guy and penalty killer they hoped for. Off the ice, he's taken a large leadership role on a younger Maple Leafs team.
"It's been exciting. I've enjoyed every moment," Peca said Monday morning. "I'm having fun playing the game. I'm loving coming to the rink and as a player, that's really what you want."
As a newcomer, one might think a transition period was needed for Peca to instil himself as a leader.
But it happened nearly from Day 1.
"There was no transition period," said Peca. "When I came in, in early September, and started skating with the guys, I felt very comfortable. I knew a lot of them already. Having talked with (head coach) Paul (Maurice) and (GM) John (Ferguson) in the summer time, I made them aware what I expected my role and my responsibilities to be. And I realized that there were some young guys in here that probably need to hear that voice.
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What are your thoughts on Michael Peca? Is he meeting expectations?
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"It's not the way it's going to be. We have to be very, very patient and build this the right way. We have to go through a process. It may be painful. I hope it isn't. But we're prepared for all the bumps and pratfalls and potholes in the road ahead. I'm prepared for it anyway, or I wouldn't have come." - Ron Wilson, Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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Peca the leader Leafs expected
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