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Comet Tales: Behind Enemy Lines with Cedrick Desjardins

April 5, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


Syracuse Crunch goalie Cedrick Desjardins knows what to expect on Saturday evening, as the Comets and their traveling fan base make their way to the Onondaga County War Memorial.

In reflecting on the last meeting between the both AHL clubs, separated only by 54 miles along the New York State Thruway, Desjardins is anticipating much of what he witnessed first-hand back on February 21.

"I could tell that there were lots of fans from both cities at that game. The fans were waiting for something to break during that intense time," says Desjardins, who for a fifth consecutive year will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1. "It's a shame that we (Comets/Crunch) aren't in the same division. There's so much energy in just a few games."

An eight year pro who has logged a half dozen NHL contests to his resume, all with Tampa Bay, Desjardins further impresses with a sharp memory, when recalling contests involving the Comets. Syracuse has skated 65 games off of this season's schedule, and their top netminder easily remembers an earlier meeting in Utica.

This past October 25, just the fifth game of the season, and the first visit of the Crunch to The AUD, Desjardins remembers the 2-1 shootout win over the Comets. "The first game with Utica, the fans were right into the game, right away,"the native of Edmundston, New Brunswick tells. " They (Comets) were looking for their first win, and the crowd was doing all they could to help the team."

From October, when skaters legs are stronger and passes are more crisp, the AHL's 76-game schedule does challenge its players physical attributes. Goalies, too, at this time of year must find ways to motivate their bodies to perform to the best of their abilities. With Syracuse trailing the Hershey Bears for the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference by 13 points, Desjardins sounds optimistic for this weekend's games.

"Our coaches do a very good job in keeping us motivated. By the spring time, younger guys are brought in and we feed off of them." Desjardins, 28, said.

Having played for seven teams, since turning pro in 2006, Desjardins was prepared well during his four years of juniors in the QMJHL. Coming from Canada's Maritimes region, Desjardins hometown of Edmundston is uniquely positioned. Located about three hours from Quebec City and less than two miles from Madawaska, Maine, living in Edmundston offered Desjardins much opportunity to pursue his love of hockey.

First, Rimouski Oceanic, then the Quebec Remparts molded Desjardins into the pro that he is today. While with Oceanic, at 16-years old, Sid Crosby was the talk of the team. "You already knew, even at that young age, Sid was special. He was so fast,"Desjardins said of his former teammate. "Sid always worked hard and acted like a veteran."

In the off-season, Desjardins was traded to the Remparts. In 2006 Quebec won the Memorial Cup, and he was the most valuable goalie in the tournament. Patrick Roy was Cedrick's coach. "Patrick has the passion and desire to win every night. He said to me that season, "˜Cedrick D, you will be my guy every night'. He knew how to take pressure off of you."Desjardins recalls of the current Colorado Avalanche bench boss. "He (Roy) helped me through a lot of injuries, and when I was tired."

Spending the past half dozen-plus off-seasons living and training in Quebec City, Desjardins has been in the crease for the Lightning one game this NHL season. He isn't surprised with the success of the play-off bound Tampa Bay team. With many of his teammates from last season's Eastern Conference championship club currently members of coach Jon Cooper's roster, Desjardins expects big things for the former Syracuse players.

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