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Foote honoured by Greyhounds (31 Photos)

Like most hockey players who come through Sault Ste. Marie and suit up for the Soo Greyhounds, many things stand out. For former NHL defenceman Adam Foote, being back in Sault Ste.

Like most hockey players who come through Sault Ste. Marie and suit up for the Soo Greyhounds, many things stand out.

For former NHL defenceman Adam Foote, being back in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend has given him a chance to reflect on the three seasons he spent as a blueliner for the Greyhounds.

“Just being back in the city, a lot has come to mind, a lot of things that I haven’t thought about in a long time,” said Foote. “It’s been 20 years and it’s hard to believe that it’s been that long. The memories are definitely popping in. They were great memories. I can’t even think of a negative memory of being here.”

“For a young kid, walking into a community that backs their kids, I’d rather be in a community like this than in a big city where there’s other venues to go see,” he added. “That’s the special part about playing in a small city. That’s what I cherished.”

With the Greyhounds, Foote scored 37 goals and 162 points in 186 games with the Greyhounds, who selected the defenceman in the second round of the 1988 OHL Draft.

“At the time it was hard to leave home,” Foote said of being drafted by the Greyhounds. “Oshawa had taken an Oshawa-boy and i went to one of the furthest places away (from home) so at the time when it initially happened, it was unbelievable. I was very fortunate that (the Greyhounds) had great leadership in Troy Mallette, Bobby Jones and others and we had Don Boyd (coaching) that transitioned into Ted Nolan. They treated me well. It was a warm place to play. Mike Zuke was around a lot. I had a great time being here.”

On top of being named an all-star during his final season, Foote reflected on playing with the Greyhounds.

He talked fondly about the rise of former Greyhounds captain Rick Kowalsky, who played a pair of seasons with the Greyhounds alongside Foote.

“Rick Kowalsky, might have been one of the last picks and we liked the guy so much when he got here,” Foote said. “We were hoping that (management) would take him. I think he was one of the last picks the year he came. He worked hard and he wasn’t in a lot of games. With the ownership of George Shunock taking over and bringing in Sherry Bassin and trading Eric Lindros and getting all of the players for him gave us an opportunity to beef up and win that OHL championship. For me to walk into the building today and into the dressing room, the first thing I see is Kowalsky hoisting the Memorial Cup. That gave me chills because it was a great story where a guy just wanted to make a club. He just wanted to be there and be a part of something. He worked so hard and had a great attitude.”

Foote also reflected on growing together with his teammates, leading up to the Greyhounds initial championship run during the 1990-91 season.

“In my first year, we had four young defencemen come in and we were able to grow together and start from scratch. That’s pretty risky to bring in four young d-men but it worked out well. They were really patient with us and we were able to get stronger,” said Foote. “Pop in Colin Miller, he was a hell of a player. I loved watching him every shift. Mark Matier and Shaun Imber came in and fit right in with us. Then you get Jarret Reid, a local kid, and Ralph Intranuovo. They were late-round picks. They were such impact players at a young age. The chips fell into place for us. We had good coaching, good leadership and we love each other. That’s what happens when you’ve got a small community backing you, a good coaching staff and leadership. Anything can happen.”

Foote went on to post 66 goals and 308 points along with 1534 penalty minutes in 1154 NHL games.

A second-round pick of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1989 NHL Draft, Foote went played 19 years in the NHL before retiring after the 2010-11 season.

A native of Whitby, Ontario, Foote has a pair of Stanley Cup titles – in 1996 and 2001 with the Colorado Avalanche – as well as an Olympic Gold Medal with Team Canada at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. He also won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2004 World Championship.

Foote’s No. 5 now hangs in the rafters of the Essar Centre alongside John Vanbiesbrouck (No. 1), Craig Hartsburg (No. 4), Ron Francis (No 10) and Wayne Gretzky (No. 99), who have also had their number retired by the team.

Full Video highlights from Saturday night's Ceremony (Courtesy Soo Greyhounds.com) will be added Sunday.

Photos by Sootoday.com's Donna Hopper

 


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Brad Coccimiglio

About the Author: Brad Coccimiglio

A graduate of Loyalist College’s Sports Journalism program, Brad Coccimiglio’s work has appeared in The Hockey News as well as online at FoxSports.com in addition to regular freelance work with SooToday before joining the team full time.
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