Comet Tales: Behind Enemy Lines with Jeremy Morin
February 1, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
In most instances, it's the goalie that fans fixate on. NHL veteran netminder Jason LaBarbera is who the Rockford IceHogs may have starting in their only visit to Utica this season. However, follow #19 Jeremy Morin's play closely on Saturday evening - he's a Central New Yorker.
Auburn(NY), 83 miles west of Utica, and a 30-minute drive from Syracuse, is Morin's hometown. Just eight years ago, before logging 30 games as a Chicago Blackhawk over the past four seasons, Morin was beginning his playing career as a member of the Syracuse Stars in the Eastern Junior Hockey League. Now, at 22, Morin is on the cusp of becoming a full-time Blackhawk.
Aside from a game scheduled in Rochester a day prior to visiting The AUD, and no Rockford appearances set for Syracuse, Morin's appearance in Utica is a big deal for the left wing's friends and family.
Morin, selected in the second round by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 NHL entry draft, tells of having a contingency of familiar faces inside The AUD on Saturday. "Definitely, for sure my family is going to be there (Utica). We (IceHogs) don't get out that way much this season,"Morin said during our telephone conversation.
No doubt, during the bus ride from Rochester, where Rockford plays the evening before visiting the Comets, when seeing the Syracuse exits' signs on the New York State Thruway, many happy hockey memories will resurface for Morin. Growing up in the Syracuse area, Morin recalls winning a couple state championships, and made many lasting friendships with "a lot of different guys". Jeremy's dad was coaching him at the time, something that remains extra special for him today.
This season, Morin has registered 22 points (9 goals 13 assists) in 30 games played, leading to the road trip including Utica. With his commitment to the IceHogs, like all skating on AHL ice, Morin is looking forward to another call-up to the NHL. "I'm patient, but at the same time it's frustrating not going back up (Chicago),"says Morin. "The Blackhawks are a tough line-up to crack. I'm blessed to be with a winning organization who treats me with respect."
There will be one player on the Comets more familiar to Morin than the rest of coach Travis Green's squad - goalie Joe Cannata. During the 2007-08 season, Morin's first away from playing in Syracuse, he and Cannata were teammates in Junior A hockey. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they were were members of the USNTDP Under-18 team (United States National Team Developmental Program).
"Joe was a year older than me. We played in tournaments overseas and won a bronze medal, "Morin recalls of his association with the Comets' goalie. "A lot of us guys from those teams still keep in touch. Joe was a good goalie."
During their association with the USNTDP, Cannata was one of five goalies used that season. He backed-up Morin and fellow teammates for five games, and earned a 3-1-1 record, before moving on to Merrimack College (N.Andover,MA).
Already seeing action in 15 games as a Blackhawk this season, for Morin, having exchanged passes with Jonathon Towes, Patrick Sharp and a host of others who have collected two Stanley Cup rings, what is he working on most in Rockford? "I'm rounding out my game. I've learned what it takes to play in the NHL," Morin tells. "My defensive game can always need work. I want to take my role in Rockford and make it productive."
Visiting Utica, for the first time, very well could be the last for Jeremy Morin as a Rockford IceHog. Chicago is calling, enjoy watching the Central New Yorker while you are able.
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