John Brophy: Somewhat Stubborn
PETE WEBER
Hockey Night in Canada,Videos / May-2015
When I got deeper into my work in the hockey broadcasting industry, I knew there was a great piece to make with him. Kindred spirits on the long, beautiful road called “The Art of Hockey”.
Detroit Red Wings,Fighting,New York Islanders / Apr-2015
I had no idea what it was going to be like when I got to the NHL. Coming to the Islanders, certain people had the perception that I was going to be Clark Gillies…
Beer,Leagues,National Hockey League,New York Islanders / Apr-2015
“You’re a fucking kid from fucking Saskatoon and you just got called up to the fucking NHL and there’s a fresh fucking sheet of ice out there and you’re sitting here watching Sports Centre?”
Aboriginal Hockey,Minnesota North Stars / Apr-2015
As a young Objibway growing up in Warroad, Minnesota, I used to watch films where Indians were depicted, and I’d sink into my seat after seeing them portrayed as drunks and thieves.
Minnesota North Stars,Team USA / Apr-2015
When I got to the team, Wren Blair looked at me on the end of the bench and told me, “You’re everything I hate: a college guy, a Canadian who became an American, and a defenceman who rushes the puck.”
Philadelphia Flyers,Saskatchewan / Apr-2015
Most of my youth was spent on a pond or in a rink– natural ice only– and because our community was so small, you were lucky if you could get six or seven other kids to play with you.
Toronto Maple Leafs / Apr-2015
I went to every concert at the Gardens, and, before that, the Forum. You couldn’t keep me away. I lived for music, and, in a way, I still do.
Drugs,New York Rangers / Apr-2015
The first nightclub I visited there was called The China Club. It was a real hot spot and full of celebrities.
Draft,Toronto Maple Leafs / Apr-2015
I’ll never forget it: I’m sitting in Donny Meehan’s room and he looks at me and he says, So, I don’t who where you’re going now. This is my agent.
Addiction,Boston Bruins,Depression / Apr-2015
It’s the fear of success as much as the fear of failure that gets you. You score 24 and people are asking, ‘Okay, what about 30?’ You score 30.
New York Islanders,Russia / Apr-2015
Alcohol is a disease. If you have it, you have it. It doesn’t have to happen right away. It happens over years. Once you’re made aware you have this problem, you must accept it.
United Kingdom / Apr-2015
Maybe I was destined to play one game in the NHL, because I only dreamed of playing. I never thought about it any further than that. It could’ve been one game or a hundred.
Gordie Howe,Hartford Whalers / Apr-2015
It was a different league that is for sure. It was much more physical than the NHL. Glen Sonmor used to tell me, “If we don’t stop this fighting, we are going to have to build bigger rinks.” We had a very aggressive team and that was not by accident.
Montreal Canadiens,Toronto Maple Leafs / Apr-2015
I’m facing off along the boards, and I’m getting punched by fans over the glass and they’re yelling at us to “go home frogs, you don’t belong here” and taunting us.