One of the great advantages of being a fan of development leagues is you get to see players grow from raw talent into launching their careers in the NHL. Last September Patrick Kissane and I attended the Red Wings Rookie Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. At TC besides having a glorious time, we learned much from the staff, other fans and parents of players that also were the bleacher rats in attendance. It was here I first spyed the player that will be the subject of a blog entry solely dedicated to him, Boris Valabik all 230 pounds 6'7" first round draft pick of him of him. The Chicago Wolves (and I mean this with love) "Excitable Boy". So let me brush my little bunny feet and adjust the long ears for a minute...
First the dry facts, Boris Valabik was born Valentines Day 1986 in Nitra, Slovakia he is a Slav national,not a Check as he quickly points out to those of us geographically impaired. Boris came to the Wolves directly from the Ontario Hockey Leagues perennial powerhouse Kitchner Rangers along with golaie prospect Dan Turple. When in Hamilton for the Calder Cup semifinals Patrick Kissane and I encountered several fans that were at the games to see Valabik. He is remembered warmly as a stand up player and a team member who was there for every charity event. This hasn't changed since moving to the AHL, Boris defends his teammates and is always there for every booster club charity fundraiser. A painter off the ice one of his paintings was sold at auction this season for Wolves Charities.But enough of this litany of perfection our Excitable Boy has his faults,mainly born of his temper. It could be his passion for the game, personality, or dedication to his teammates, he can and will be drawn into fights by agitators. Valibak eagerly takes on the role of the enforcer at 21, role typically played by a more seasoned player. His temper consistently brings him to the attention of the men if stripes making him less effective on the ice. In fact some photographers have been known to follow him on the ice for where #27 goes action and a great shot usually follows. This combined with a nagging ankle injury from December may have lead to the decision to "scratch" him during at times during the Wolves reticent playoff series.
Despite his "youthful enthusiasm" this kid has the real stuff in him. I expect we will be seeing Valibik only for part of the 07'season in Chicago. He will move up to the Atlanta Thrashers with the first injury for his shot at the big show. I can only hope that chance comes later not sooner, this hot tempered chick needs more time with Todd Nelson (Wolves defensive coach) before he can become the cock of the walk he dreams of being. But that is just this photogs opinion, the fact that I love to shoot this guy has nothing to do with it.
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