Newest Snowman
According to Tom Guilitti over at Fire & Ice, Sheldon Brookbank gets to be the latest Devils snowman. I certainly hope that he fares better than previous players who wore #8 for the Devils:
Vadim Sharifijanov, who was actually drafted in 1994 ahead of some guy named Elias, scored one lonely goal during the 99-00 season. Unfortunately, Bubba and I were in the bathroom at the time the fog horn went off, and a few weeks later “the Sherriff” was shipped off to Vancouver as partial payment for Mogilny.
Igor Larionov, the Professor, who brought his twin wheels (stacked) from Detroit. He was about as effective as Mr. Magoo in a Devils sweater. Bonus points if you can name of the players who were traded for Larionov in years prior to 2004.
Alex Brooks, briefly appearing on the blue line last season as part of the shuttle service between Lowell and East Rutherford. He broke his foot (blocking a shot), was returned to Lowell, and upon gaining free agency split for the St. Louis Blues. He’s now minus-1 (as in wearing number 7, not plus/minus) in a Peoria Rivermen jersey.
All trends need to reverse at some point. At a solid 6-2, I’m betting Brookbank can bring some permanence to a #8 Devils sweater, and fear into wingers that see the approach snowman along the boards. In addition to loving the number 8, as my mother frequently points out, I also like words that end in the letter “k”. Good sign.
Tags: brookbank, larionov, mogilny, sharifijanov