NHL

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

New-version Torres returns after 21-game suspension

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/1/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Nam Y. Huh / the associated press archives Raffi Torres (37) was suspended for this devastating hit on Chicago foward Marian Hossa on April 17, 2012. (CP)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Raffi Torres' game is based on force and fury, his hard-hitting style fuelling his teammates and inspiring fear in opponents.

But as he sat out for 21 games, the result of a suspension for hitting Chicago's Marian Hossa in last year's playoffs, the Phoenix Coyotes left-winger had to rethink the way he plays, find a way to retain his aggressiveness and remove some of the questionable hits that have gotten him in trouble in the past.

After hours of watching video with coach Dave Tippett, the new-version Torres gets his first live test when the Coyotes host the Dallas Stars on Saturday night.

"I'm excited -- it's been quite a long time," Torres said Thursday. "I just want to be out there helping the boys out."

Since he broke into the NHL with the New York Islanders in 2001, Torres' contributions have come from his combination of skill and physical presence.

Playing for six teams in his 11 NHL seasons, Torres has scored 25 points or more seven times -- his career high of 27 goals came in 2005-06 with Edmonton -- and at least as many body-crushing hits.

The problem for Torres is that some of his hits have led to a few suspensions and a reputation -- at least from some opponents -- as a borderline dirty player.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 1, 2013 C7

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More NHL

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.