Ducks
09-15-2007, 03:17 PM
This is from the day 2 training camp article on their site:
One of the less talked about guys is Ryan Shannon, a 5’9”, 180-pound winger picked up from Anaheim early in the summer in exchange for Jason King.
He’s got speed to burn and the hands of a pickpocket. The only drawback is his size – though that’s nothing new for the forward from Darien, CT.
“Who hasn’t been doubted,” said Shannon. “That only makes you stronger and motivates you.”
Shannon has always managed to overcome his critics, including those who said he’d never make the jump to the NHL. He stuck it to them last season when he logged 53 games for the Stanley Cup winning Ducks.
Now the question is: can he do it in Vancouver where the focus appears to be on grit and tenacity?
“Of course. If I said ‘No,’ then I really shouldn’t be here. Any way I can scratch and claw my way to the top, I’ll do it.”
Shannon knows a demotion at the end of camp doesn’t mean the end of his NHL hopes in Canucks’ blue. He spent parts of two seasons proving himself at the AHL level before injuries in Anaheim gave him a chance, but he’s not looking at coming through the back door in Vancouver.
“I’m only thinking about making the Canucks; that’s my goal. If it doesn’t happen, well, there are setbacks in life and you have to find a way to overcome them, but I’m not even looking at Manitoba.”
Vigneault, who doesn’t hide his affinity for the rough-and-tumble, says size won’t factor in when it comes time to make a decision.
“Last year I remember Anaheim having two small players on their top line who were racking up points on a consistent basis. So size for me is not an issue. If you compete and skate, and are willing to go to the tough areas, in today’s game you can perform and contribute.”
One of the less talked about guys is Ryan Shannon, a 5’9”, 180-pound winger picked up from Anaheim early in the summer in exchange for Jason King.
He’s got speed to burn and the hands of a pickpocket. The only drawback is his size – though that’s nothing new for the forward from Darien, CT.
“Who hasn’t been doubted,” said Shannon. “That only makes you stronger and motivates you.”
Shannon has always managed to overcome his critics, including those who said he’d never make the jump to the NHL. He stuck it to them last season when he logged 53 games for the Stanley Cup winning Ducks.
Now the question is: can he do it in Vancouver where the focus appears to be on grit and tenacity?
“Of course. If I said ‘No,’ then I really shouldn’t be here. Any way I can scratch and claw my way to the top, I’ll do it.”
Shannon knows a demotion at the end of camp doesn’t mean the end of his NHL hopes in Canucks’ blue. He spent parts of two seasons proving himself at the AHL level before injuries in Anaheim gave him a chance, but he’s not looking at coming through the back door in Vancouver.
“I’m only thinking about making the Canucks; that’s my goal. If it doesn’t happen, well, there are setbacks in life and you have to find a way to overcome them, but I’m not even looking at Manitoba.”
Vigneault, who doesn’t hide his affinity for the rough-and-tumble, says size won’t factor in when it comes time to make a decision.
“Last year I remember Anaheim having two small players on their top line who were racking up points on a consistent basis. So size for me is not an issue. If you compete and skate, and are willing to go to the tough areas, in today’s game you can perform and contribute.”