Apr 5, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres fans move a flag around the center before the game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Helper, Contributor Buffalo Sabres Forward Michael Peca
When asked who my all-time favorite Buffalo Sabre was my answer was I don’t have one. It sounds cliché but it’s true. I have always been a blank Sabres jersey fan. I don’t want a name on my jersey because I don’t care who score the goals or who blocks the shot. It simply about getting two points. But, I do have a style of player that I like, and the player that best fits that mold is Michael Peca.
Peca played 13 years in the NHL with six different teams. He won the Frank J. Selke Trophy twice (1997, 2002) and won an Olympic gold medal (Salt Lake City in 2002 with Team Canada). Over his 864 game career Peca managed to play an in your face game, and earned the respect of teammates while doing so. The former Sabres captain wore the Blue and Gold and Red and Black for 363 games and registered 217 points and 352 PIM.
Peca was the style of player I always like to see. He had some scoring touch, but it was the way he carried himself on and off the ice that caught my eye. He wasn’t one to shy away from contact and while his time in Buffalo ended on a sour note (2000-2001) hold out. He is remembered as one of the most hard-working players to skate in Buffalo.
For me it’s always been about finding two-way hockey players. The ones that can contribute on the score sheet as well as hold their own in their zone. Michael Peca’s style is a great example for young kids to follow. You can have your star forward that puts up 50 goals, but if you don’t have a strong leader willing to do it all you have nothing.
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