He didn't log many minutes that season, but as he skated to the penalty box, his Rocket red's askew to the sounds of thunderous applause, taking the time to high five a little boy dressed in an oversized jersey through the glass, you knew Greg Paynter had made it as a fan favorite.
Albany PEI's native son didn't win our hearts by putting up loads of points, showboating or "goonery". He did it by working hard every shift, hitting harder than his size, and dropping the mitts when he was called upon to do so. The fire that was in his eyes defined why fans of the QMJHL prefer junior hockey to the pro ranks. You could tell he was still playing because he loved the game. Even more so than the "NHL destined, groomed since the age of ten" crowd. (See Angelo Esposito).
The question that remains is, why? Why did Greg Paynter play so hard? Don't get me wrong, he definitely has a future in the game of hockey, I'm sure, but he certainly isn't the a member of the "it" crowd of Canadian Junior hockey. He certainly isn't NHL bound (barring an incredible breakout season). It's because he was given an opportunity to play hockey at a level which was not expected of him.
Mr. Paynter was undrafted in the QMJHL, but was given an invitation to battle it out for a roster spot at the Rocket's 2006-07 training camp. It was at camp that he first turned heads with his hard-nosed style of play, so much so, that when the dust settled in early September 2006, he was still standing, earning a full time forth line position. A position that may have tempted some to mail it in, and coast through a few games, and ultimately end up back in Junior A, and becoming a small foot note in Rocket history.
Not Greg. He poured his heart and soul into his limited playing time, and the Rocket Faithful loved him for it, and as we approach a new camp, we can only hope that Greg Paynter has not finished his tenure. Even though he will never be spoken about with the same regard as the Davide Lalibertes, or the Jimmy Bonneaus, Greg Paynter will forever stand out in my mind as one of the hardest working Rocket of all time.
11 comments:
You do good work! We need more of it!
your writing is great, do more even better you should post these articals in the paper so everyone can read. Sets an example for other kids to follow
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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Hey John, love your blog. I wanted to get in touch with you via email regarding your blog and a hockey event that's coming to PEI. Wasn't sure how to contact you but was hoping you could fire me an email at richard DOT loat AT gmail DOT com?
Keep up the great work and hope to hear from you soon!
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