Asham back in spotlight for a good reason

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/10/2011 (5412 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Arron Asham has always been content to do his thing in the shadows of superstars. The proud product of Portage la Prairie has earned a National Hockey League paycheque serving up shifts that have followed the same blueprint over 697 career games: bang a few bodies, score the odd goal and, most certainly, drop the gloves to protect his teammates and the reputation of the crest on his sweater.

Knowing all that, it’s safe to say this has been an unusual week for the 33-year-old, who has been thrust into the spotlight on two occasions for two definitely distinct reasons — the ugly aftermath generated from his WWE-type gesture after knocking out Jay Beagle of Washington Capitals last Thursday, for which he quickly apologized, and then upon his arrival at the MTS Centre for Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets and his first pro game in his home province.

First, as much as it must have pained him to do so, Asham revisited his post-Beagle fight antics one more time on Monday.

“It was unfortunate that it happened,” Asham said. “The gestures after were just total bush-league on my part. Classless. That’s not the kind of guy I am, but the emotions got the best of me and I can only apologize so much. The first two nights after it happened I was definitely having a tough time sleeping and a lot of things went through my mind. It’s unfortunate it happened, but I just want to put it behind me and concentrate on the next game.

“It wasn’t one of these apologies where I was forced into it. It was sincere. I had a good conversation with (NHL disciplinarian Brendan) Shanahan yesterday about it and I guaranteed him it’s not going to happen again. I’m still going to fight, but none of that ridiculousness that happened after. Nowadays guys have a lot more respect for each other, even though I didn’t show it that night. I’m a very respected guy around the league. I’m just glad Grapes (Don Cherry) and all the guys had my back. They know it was a stupid mistake on my part.

“I just want to get this lifted from over my head: I don’t want my career to be defined by me making a couple of stupid gestures.”

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

The Warm-Up

Winnipeg Jets Game Days

On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.

Sign up for The Warm-Up

Sign Up

I consent to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies.

I consent to CASL agreement.

Asham said he had to come up with 50 tickets for Monday’s game against the Jets — he went out of his way to give a shout-out to True North director of ticket administration Mitch Brennan, a buddy of his — and the opportunity to suit up in front of friends and family will rank among his career highs. And it’s not just about playing in Manitoba that had him amped up Monday, it was because — just like a lot of fans some 15 years ago — he had his heart broken when the Jets departed.

“I grew up wanting to be a Winnipeg Jet. It’s going to be nice to actually play against them,” said Asham. “I was hoping they were going to get a team back. I didn’t know if it was going to be during my career or not.”

“Ducky, Dale Hawerchuk… he was one of my all-time faves. They had some good players come here. (Keith) Tkachuk, obviously (Teemu) Selanne, (Thomas) Steen… they had some great teams. I was a huge Jets’ fan and I was crushed when they left. But I couldn’t be happier for the city now that they have a team back.

“I got to as many (games) as I could when I was younger. We were off at tournaments and travelling all over the place, but I tried to get to as many as I could. It was a great time. I miss the Queen, though (the giant painting that hung from the rafters at Winnipeg Arena). We need the Queen and that would be perfect.”

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait