I recently had occassion to chat up former Sabre, Larry Playfair about his "son", Marcus Foligno, earning a deserved roster spot on Canada's World Junior team. Playfair, the former heavtweight champ of the NHL, lives a more sereen and peaceful life in his retirement. He's a dedicated family man and community leader. he and former sabre teammate, Grant Ledyard, are actively involved in the Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization.
The mere mention of Marcus's name brought an ear to ear grin to proud Larry's face.
"It caught us by surprise. We knew that he would have a lot of competition. He has been improving", Playfair told me. "The whole family is so proud of him. We will all be there cheering him on. I'm glad I took a flyer on World Junior tickets when they first went on sale. Its a hot ticket around here".
The Playfairs and Folignos have a long and lasting friendly relationship that dates back to the days when Larry and Mike were teammates in Buffalo. The two former players are extremely close, and both rely on one another for support. In July 2009, Janis Foligno, the Mike's wife, died of cancer at the age of 47. Her passing left a tremendous void in the Foligno family. Mike, Marcus, Nick and the two sisters, Cara and Lisa, turned to the Playfair family for their love and support during their time of need.
When he was drafted by Buffalo two Summers ago, Marcus stayed with Playfair and his family on Grand Island, while the Sabres rooks participated in developmental camp at Niagara Universtiy's Dwyer Arena. This past June, Marcus attended camp at NU and again billeted with the Playfairs. Marcus, and his brother Nick (of the Ottawa Senators) are like sons to Larry.
"We are so happy for him. He (Marcus) had to earn this roster spot. Nothing was given to him. He had a really strong pre-selection camp for Canada and the coaches took a liking to Marcus".
Marcus is big, strong, and skates very well. He has above average skills to compliment his NHL size. He will be asked to drive the net, create ice for his mates and to win wall battles all over the ice in the World Juniors. Like fellow Buffalo prospect Zack Kassian, Foligno is none too afraid to toss the mitts and to stick up for his entourage.
Mike Foligno had been Marcus' head coach and GM in Sudbury for his first three seasons in the OHL. Then, this past June, Mike was hired by Randy Carlyle to be the assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks. Father and sons, separated by distance, connected by the love of family and thepr shared passion for hockey. While Mike has been on the left coast, Marcus has been working hard and honing his hockey skills. His hard work and determination have paid off in a big way. sabre fans will LOVE Marcus. He's the power forward that the Sabres have been missing since Brad May skated out of town.
The Ducks will land in Buffalo on Monday night and will play the Sabres at HSBC Arena on Tuesday night.
Marcus is staying with Team Canada in Niagara On The Lake for now, and will move with the team to their hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada on Monday.
You better believe that the Playfairs and Folignos will gather for a meal and to reflect on Marcus's recent success. Both families have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.
In case you missed the Sabres vs. Bolts de-brief. here you go:
Stamkos. Gagne, and St. Louis buried their chances. The Sabres did not.
Ohfer five on the PP, ain't gonna cut it.
On Friday night in Sunrise, Ryan Miller was given the hook by his coach after giving up four goals in the forst twenty minutes. On Saturday night, Miller avenged his failures by making 34 saves on 36 Tampa shots. Miller came ready to play. His teammates did not. Once again, the Sabres forwards fail to cash in the scoring opportunities that they had created.
Two losses in 24 hours in the Sunshine State. Buffalo (30) now trail eighth place Boston (38) by eight points.
Sabreland is flummoxed right now. The team they cheer for has multiple personalities. One week, they pound power teams San Jose and Boston. The next week, they roll over and play dead vs. the Panthers and Lightning.
(insert head slap here)
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Centre Tim Connolly suffered a seriously fractured nose just 92 seconds into the game.
Connolly was helped to the Buffalo room, where he was treated by trainers and then later returned to the game. Connolly sported a full face shield. There was no word late Saturday night whether Connolly was suffering from blurry vision and headaches.
Connolly will no doubt be sore in the coming days. Its not known yet whether or not Darcy Regier will recall centre Luke Adam from Portland as a plausible backup for #19.swer the bell. Perhaps Nate Gerbe would draw back into the lineup if Connolly cannot an The Sabres play Anaheim at home Tuesday night, and Florida at home on Thursday night.
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