Canadiens forward Aaron Downey is a role player, and he's more than willing to share his special talent, which happens to be beating up people.
In practice this week, Downey has been passing on the tricks of the trade to defenceman Mike Komisarek.
"He's strong, Georges Laracque strong, and I've been trying to show him a few little tricks, like where to grab a guy's sweater to get the best leverage," Downey said.
"Fighting in hockey isn't always about strength or toughness. You put Hulk Hogan on skates and I'll push him all over the ice. I've been trying to show Mike how to get the advantage in a fight."
Downey said he hasn't had as many fights as usual this season - only five all season and two since joining the Canadiens - because few rivals are anxious to challenge him.
"I've been living on my reputation the second half of the season," he said. "I have to build it back up next year."
While Downey isn't afraid to fight on the ice, he said he shies away from bar fights.
"That's where you better be good on your feet and you better be tough," he explained.
Mike Komisarek (top) proves a quick learner as he tangles with Aaron Downey, who has been teaching him fighting techniques, at practice.
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiensstory.html?id=57685fed-4bd1-4ddd-bc58-68760abb8aaa&k=27963 By PAT HICKEY Canadiens forward Aaron Downey is a role player, and he's more than willing to share his special talent, which happens to be beating up people.In practice this week, Downey has been passing on the tricks of the trade to defenceman Mike Komisarek."He's strong, Georges Laracque strong, and I've been trying to show him a few little tricks, like where to grab a guy's sweater to get the best leverage," Downey said."Fighting in hockey isn't always about strength or toughness. You put Hulk Hogan on skates and I'll push him all over the ice. I've been trying to show Mike how to get the advantage in a fight."Downey said he hasn't had as many fights as usual this season - only five all season and two since joining the Canadiens - because few rivals are anxious to challenge him."I've been living on my reputation the second half of the season," he said. "I have to build it back up next year."While Downey isn't afraid to fight on the ice, he said he shies away from bar fights."That's where you better be good on your feet and you better be tough," he explained. Mike Komisarek (top) proves a quick learner as he tangles with Aaron Downey, who has been teaching him fighting techniques, at practice.
I'm glad he realizes he'll need to drop the gloves next season because players are not intimitated by him anymore. He needs to remind them that he can fight and do his job as policeman.