|
|
|
Sunday, February 4, 2001
Game is fun, being scored on isn't
By Ed Jovanovski
Special to ESPN.com
|
|
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ed Jovanovski agreed to share his first All-Star experience with ESPN.com. Jovanovski, 24, was named to the North American squad as a replacement for St. Louis' Chris Pronger. Jovanovski is fifth on the Canucks in scoring with 8-22-30 in 50 games.
|
After the All-Star Game
I played most of the game with Brian Leetch. He's the leading scoring defenseman in the league, so to play with a guy like that is fun.
We were battling out there, though. There were a lot of open-net goals. It's a different style of game out there. It was definitely for the fans. I think I was on the ice for five or six goals. I've never been in a game that was that high scoring and I've never been on the ice for that many goals. It was a new experience for me.
You don't really pick up much of a game plan out there. The only thing you learn is you pick up bad habits. The camaraderie is the thing -- it's great being around the dressing room and being with those guys, seeing how they handle themselves.
I looked around and thought these guys have done great things in the league for years and years. As a first-timer, when you walk into that room there's awe, but they are just like anyone else. They're easy going guys and great to be around.
Mario didn't say much in the locker room. He was busy with the media and his kids were around. He didn't say much on the bench, either. He wanted to go out there and please the fans. That's what he's done his whole career. He looked like he had a great time out there.
Gotta catch a flight. I'm going to go back to Florida and be with my wife and daughter for a few days, then head back to Vancouver to play San Jose on Thursday.
I walked around all weekend with a smile on. It's been a great experience. One I won't forget. Hopefully, I'll be in a few more.
Detailed information on Jovanovski and the rest of the Canucks can be found at www.canucks.com.
|
|
ALSO SEE
Jovanovski diary: A kid in a candy store
Jovanovski diary: Playing with opponents
Jovanovski replaces injured Pronger on North America squad
2001 NHL All-Star Game coverage
|
|
