Latest news with #JohnBrophy
National Post
11 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Former Maple Leafs GM reveals why team passed on drafting Joe Sakic
Say it ain't so, Joe. Article content As the Maple Leafs grapple with all-star Mitch Marner's likely departure, former general manager Gord Stellick brought up another story of a first-round pick, this one that got away at the draft table. Article content Article content While it was well known that the Leafs passed on Joe Sakic in 1987 — as did 12 other clubs before Sakic went to the Quebec Nordiques — Stellick detailed how close the future Hall of Famer came to wearing Blue and White in a guest appearance on the Leafs Morning Take podcast. Article content Holding the seventh overall pick that year, the Leafs had an ad hoc committee with Stellick, who was then the NHL's youngest GM at 30 years old, coach John Brophy and senior scouts, but all living with the whims of unpredictable owner Harold Ballard. Article content Big Peterborough Petes defenceman Luke Richardson was on their radar, but as it got close to Toronto's turn, scouting director Floyd Smith made a convincing argument to consider Sakic. Article content With 60 goals and 73 assists for the Swift Current Broncos, Sakic was certainly attractive, but lacked bulk. Article content 'The table (at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit) is up in arms, like 'holy crap,'' Stellick recalled for the show's hosts. 'Brophy (who preferred scrappy players) was going nuts because he doesn't like small centremen. Article content JOE SAKIC WAS ALMOST A LEAF? In short, according to @GordStellick, who worked in the #LeafsForever front office in the 80s, yes, there was a pathway in the 1987 draft that would've seen Burnaby Joe land in Toronto. @TLNdc I didn't need to hear this story ever: — Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) June 9, 2025 Article content 'John Brophy was our coach and he had way too much influence as a coach because the owner, Harold Ballard, liked him … It's absurd. A coach who is even involved when you're drafting. But he had the ear of the owner.' Article content That insured the Leafs took Richardson, but as was the case with many of their 1980s picks, they had no gradual development plan for him. He could've used another year of junior, but openly challenged Stellick's plan to demote him and, while he did play 21 years with various teams, his Toronto tenure wasn't as successful as hoped. Article content Stellick said he re-hashed the story with Sakic in 2012 at the latter's Hall of Fame induction. The irony was that Sakic wasn't even the Nordiques' first pick that year. In a draft dominated by defencemen, they took Bryan Fogarty ninth before Sakic at 15th. Two Hall of Famers led off that draft, with Pierre Turgeon going first to Buffalo and future Leafs president Brendan Shanahan second to the New Jersey Devils. Article content Sakic had three 100-point seasons with Quebec, which changed addresses to Colorado in 1995 and won the Stanley Cup its first year in Denver. That was Sakic's first of two as a player, the second coming in 2001, before adding the 2022 title as the team's GM. He's now the Avalanche's director of hockey operations. Article content
Toronto Sun
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Former Maple Leafs GM reveals why team passed on drafting Joe Sakic
Former Leafs coach John Brophy 'was going nuts because he doesn't like small centremen.' Get the latest from Lance Hornby straight to your inbox Former Quebec Nordiques star Joe Sakic during a game in 1995. Postmedia files Say it ain't so, Joe. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account As the Maple Leafs grapple with all-star Mitch Marner's likely departure, former general manager Gord Stellick brought up another story of a first-round pick, this one that got away at the draft table. While it was well known that the Leafs passed on Joe Sakic in 1987 — as did 12 other clubs before Sakic went to the Quebec Nordiques — Stellick detailed how close the future Hall of Famer came to wearing Blue and White in a guest appearance on the Leafs Morning Take podcast. Holding the seventh overall pick that year, the Leafs had an ad hoc committee with Stellick, who was then the NHL's youngest GM at 30 years old, coach John Brophy and senior scouts, but all living with the whims of unpredictable owner Harold Ballard. Big Peterborough Petes defenceman Luke Richardson was on their radar, but as it got close to Toronto's turn, scouting director Floyd Smith made a convincing argument to consider Sakic. With 60 goals and 73 assists for the Swift Current Broncos, Sakic was certainly attractive, but lacked bulk. 'The table (at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit) is up in arms, like 'holy crap,'' Stellick recalled for the show's hosts. 'Brophy (who preferred scrappy players) was going nuts because he doesn't like small centremen. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'John Brophy was our coach and he had way too much influence as a coach because the owner, Harold Ballard, liked him … It's absurd. A coach who is even involved when you're drafting. But he had the ear of the owner.' That insured the Leafs took Richardson, but as was the case with many of their 1980s picks, they had no gradual development plan for him. He could've used another year of junior, but openly challenged Stellick's plan to demote him and, while he did play 21 years with various teams, his Toronto tenure wasn't as successful as hoped. Read More Stellick said he re-hashed the story with Sakic in 2012 at the latter's Hall of Fame induction. The irony was that Sakic wasn't even the Nordiques' first pick that year. In a draft dominated by defencemen, they took Bryan Fogarty ninth before Sakic at 15th. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two Hall of Famers led off that draft, with Pierre Turgeon going first to Buffalo and future Leafs president Brendan Shanahan second to the New Jersey Devils. 'I always think about that … c'est la vie,' Stellick concluded his story. ' I'm sure that it worked out better for Joe Sakic.' Sakic had three 100-point seasons with Quebec, which changed addresses to Colorado in 1995 and won the Stanley Cup its first year in Denver. That was Sakic's first of two as a player, the second coming in 2001, before adding the 2022 title as the team's GM. He's now the Avalanche's director of hockey operations. lhornby@ X: @sunhornby NHL Celebrity Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA News
BreakingNews.ie
04-06-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Local man speaks about giving refuge to people during Carlow shooting
Carlow's Fairgreen Shopping Center reopened on Wednesday following a shooting incident which left one man dead and a nine-year-old girl injured. Wicklow man Evan Fitzgerald fired a number of shots inside the Tesco supermarket at the Shopping Centre at around 6:15pm on Sunday. Advertisement The 22-year-old Kiltegan man was fatally injured during the incident, after he turned a shot-gun on himself. A girl sustained minor injuries running from the scene, was attended to by paramedics at the scene and was subsequently taken home by relatives. Gardaí and emergency response teams rushed to the scene and cordoned off a wide area. John Brophy manager of the shopping centre thanked those for the public's 'understanding and patience'. In a statement Mr Brophy said: "To all Managers, staff, customers, our own security team and the Front Line services, Gardaí, Fire Services etc. we offer sincere thanks and appreciation.' Advertisement Gardaí have yet to give clearance for Tesco supermarket to reopen. A father-of-three who was in his front garden in Carlow town on Sunday evening with his children when shooter Evan Fitzgerald entered Fairgreen Shopping Centre gave refuge to dozens terrified shoppers running from the complex as 'mayhem' broke out. Pa Cahill (48) who lives in the adjoining New Oak Housing Estate was painting chairs for his mother in his front garden while his children aged nine to four were playing alongside him. Mr Cahill outlined what he saw and did to help on Sunday evening. Advertisement 'I was in the front garden painting chairs for my mother and my children, two girls and a boy were out playing too, when I heard loud bangs and pops. I was wondering why would people be using fireworks at this time of year, as that couldn't be right.' 'Next thing I saw when I began looking around where dozens of people running down our road from the shopping centre. They were screaming, shouting and absolutely terrified. Some were even gasping for breath. Many were from the Asian community and all ages.' Mr Cahill, rushed his children inside his house and went back out and also ushered them into his sitting room. 'It was mostly women who were running and they were really, really shocked and visibly shaking. They asked me could they come in and of course I let as many as I could into the house. Advertisement "I didn't have time to think about what was unfolding as I wanted to make sure my own children were alright and those who were looking for help. "It happened in a blink of an eye being honest. I would never turn anyone away who needed help let alone something like this. It's not the Irish thing to do. 'I then went up the road and looked over the wall at the centre and I could see gardaí everywhere dealing with what was happening. He went back to the house and tried to re-assure them that everything was under control. About 30 minutes later it was evident that it was safe around the centre and area so the group of people felt it was ok to leave. Advertisement The father said that the community in the housing estate was very close knit but that people are still 'weary and unsure' of themselves after the incident. 'My children are still asking questions about what occurred. My youngest is asking if 'the shooting will happen again,' so it's important to explain as much as you think they are able to cope with and understand,' added Mr Cahill. Ireland Ikea restaurant to offer half-price meals on weekd... Read More He said: 'You never think something like this would happen in Ireland let alone Carlow. You hear about such incidents in the US but not hear. "People here in the town and county are truly devastated over what has happened.' Mr Cahill also praised Tesco and the shopping centre staff for their brave efforts in helping people affected. The HSE is continuing to offer support in the community in response to the 'traumatic events'. On Wednesday, the HSE Dublin and South East psychology staff will again be available in Carlow Primary Care Centre between 9am and 5pm. The HSE said: 'This is a support service to anyone impacted by last Sunday's events in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre.
