SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Thursday, October 14, 1999
Briere back for another chance
Sent down to the Springfield Falcons after training camp, the Phoenix Coyotes centre -- a Gatineau native -- received the surprise call when the club lost all-star Jeremy Roenick to suspension.
Now, the diminutive Briere, who split his time between Springfield and Phoenix last season, would like to show Coyotes management that he deserves the opportunity to stay.
"They sent me back to Springfield after training camp because they wanted me to get some confidence and I didn't really think I would get the chance to get back here so soon," said Briere.
'ELEMENT OF SPEED'
"With my game, I have to bring the element of speed and the ability to create scoring chances. I had a tough time last year and I got sent back to Springfield and I didn't play well there, either. I just want to play well."
At 5-foot-10, it's a lot tougher for a guy like Briere to prove he belongs. A slick playmaker -- who scored 167 points in junior -- he has always been a player on the edge.
In 64 games with the Coyotes last season, he had eight goals and 14 assists, but was sent down before the playoffs because the club simply wasn't happy with his production.
"I don't know if Jim Schoenfeld was the kind of coach who really wanted to give the chance to the young players. I wasn't getting much ice time because he preferred to play his veterans," said Briere. "I came into camp this year and I wanted to show them I could play. I thought the first 10 days went well and then they told me they were going to send me down.
"I just have to keep working, and when I get the chance, I have to score some goals."
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |