News Archive
Posted on: Monday, February 8th, 2010
By Paul Wiecek, Winnipeg Free Press
In a game so defined by its numbers, Dan Sexton is both author and victim.An author, you should understand, of some wonderful numbers -- nine goals, nine assists in his first 28 career games in the NHL.
And victim of another set of numbers -- 23 professional hockey players on a 22-man NHL roster.
And so it is that Sexton, the plot line of one of the best stories in all of hockey this season -- small-town boy rises from rags of ECHL to riches of NHL in one easy step -- finds himself back in Manitoba Moose uniform number 38 this week.
Sexton's numbers, it is clear, unmistakably merit a spot on an NHL roster. But the trade last weekend that saw the Anaheim Ducks ship one player -- goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere -- to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for two players -- goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Jason Blake -- left the Ducks with precisely one too many players on their roster.
And with that, Sexton's number was up. Go figure.
"They said it was a numbers issue," Sexton recalled over the weekend. "It was no secret there was someone who had to go down. And with me being a rookie and on a two-way contract, there's only a couple of us like that on the team and they had to pick one.
"It was me and I accept it. They said it had nothing to do with my play... Those two months there were an absolute dream come true for me. And if you're going to get sent down, you couldn't ask for a better place to be sent down to."
Sexton has fond, but brief, memories of Winnipeg. Overlooked and undrafted because of his size -- he's listed at a generous 5-9, 165 pounds -- the Anaheim property was playing in Bakersfield of the ECHL when he was plucked off their roster and assigned to Manitoba on Nov. 24.
And that's when things got interesting. The 22-year-old Apple Valley, Minn. native played just five games in the AHL -- scoring one goal and two assists -- before an injury to former Winnipeg Jet Teemu Selanne vaulted him to Anaheim of the NHL.
Playing on an elite line with Saku Koivu and Bobby Ryan, Sexton had an immediate impact with the Ducks. He had five multi-point nights, scored two power-play goals and left Anaheim last week 11th in rookie scoring in the NHL -- and seventh in rookie goal-scoring -- despite having played far fewer games than most other rookies.
With that as a backdrop, it would be hard to blame Sexton, then, if he was a bitter man last week flying from sunny California to Winnipeg in the depths of a February winter.
Just the opposite, it turns out. "I can't worry about it," says the right-winger. "If I came in here pouting, saying 'Poor me, I deserve to be up there because I did so well,' that's not going to help me because I probably wouldn't play very good here.
"So I figure the best thing for me to do is just keep a good attitude, play my hardest here and be happy with where I am."
It's an attitude that has shown on the ice. In his first game back with the Moose, Sexton scored a pair of goals for the Moose Friday night at the MTS Centre in a 5-4 overtime loss to the San Antonio Rampage.
Sexton was held off the scoresheet in the rematch Saturday night until the shootout, when he showed a big-league move in going backhand against former Anaheim teammate Justin Pogge to help the Moose win their league-leading seventh shootout of the season, 4-3.
Moose head coach Scott Arniel says Sexton continues to show poise beyond his years. "He's not afraid to shoot the puck and he knows where to get to on the ice," Arniel said Saturday night. "He's not a guy who stays on the edges -- he's always around that net and in those good goal-scoring areas.
"He's a good playmaker too. He's got good vision."
Arniel has Sexton playing on the club's top line with centre Marco Rosa and Vancouver first-rounder Michael Grabner. Rosa said Sexton's been playing NHL hockey in the AHL the last couple games.
"When any player comes from that level to here, it's slow for them. They're just used to that high pace, especially for that first few games.
"And for these last two games, that's where he was. He was definitely making plays at an NHL level."
Sexton would like, of course, to be making those NHL plays in the NHL. But whatever happens, he says he has no regrets. "I can look back on it and say, 'Should I be here, shouldn't I be here?'
"But I'm just so happy to have gotten that amazing opportunity that in hindsight, I just feel like I'm really lucky. I don't feel unlucky at all, like some people might think."
In a fickle game of numbers, that's an attitude you can count on.
Comments
Dean
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
This kid is the perfect example of class in professional sports. In a sport where so many young players feel "entitled", this future NHL star stays humble, and just keeps producing. We are so lucky that we get a chance to watch this guy before he is called back up to Anaheim. Next weekend against the Marlies is going to be fantastic!!Welcome back Dan!
Adam
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
Sexton is deadly. Birthdays are for lyfe. oh and obvs moose 4 lyfe. why does doman always one up people? lolz
Rick
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
The guy can skate, shoot, and pass.....He's the real deal and has the right attitude to boot......He's total NHL material and we're VERY LUCKY to get to see him play here.......For the fans that haven't gone to a Moose game yet this season......Now's the time to get your Marlie tickets for this weekend........Because guys like this won't stick around!!!!!!!!
Dominic
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
It's nice to have him on the Moose scoring goals and making plays but I feel bad for him. He should be up in the NHL. The Ducks should have put Blake on waivers, nobody would pick him up then they'd assign him to the Moose and call up Sexton. If he isn't up in the NHL next year, I would feel extremely terrible. CALL HIM UP!
Chris
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
Yes lets willingly say to get him out of here. I love Winnipeg fans. Dominic... Take what you can get right now, he will have his chance in the NHL, why rush it? Geez.
moose cutie
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
I want Dan Sexton to stay here as long as possible. He's the homerun hitter we've been waiting for. Even look how bad he made Yannick Hanson look last wekend. Go Moose!
Chris
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
moose cutie.... Nice attitude! I like that. We need more of that!
moose cutie
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
LOL thax chris :)
MATT
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Why would anybody want to see sexton leave !!! that's CRAZY!!!! .He is what the moose need right now .moose cutie & Chris hit the nail on the head.nice attitude to the both of you !!!
C.R.Scott
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
I think Anaheim should put Sexton back in Bakersfield so he can be nice and close for the next call-up!!! Go Condors! and GO MOOSE!!!
Jim
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Dominic knows what he is talking about. amen.
Chris
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Thanks MATT... Some people just don't care who is here and who isn't, there are even some visitors here who think it's not "fair" to some players. Well we have to be selfish because these guys are here regardless and saying "they should be in the NHL" would make them go any faster. there are a few people MATT who come here and think this whole thing is a big game, thus making it look like a watered down version of what it really is. It's sad really.
matt
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Your right about that Chris. It sounds like to me that some people don't really care if the moose have any success .shame on them. when we get players who make better our moose a better team we should be thankful they are here,not wish them gone !!!!
Ryan
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
We had him first....send him back to Bakersfield! It is only a 2 hour drive to Anaheim when he gets called back up.
moose cutie
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
AWWWWW..........cry me a river Ryan.......too bad...so sad.....sexton is here to stay!!! find yourself another player......maybe Carlyle can send down Blake for u to choke on.......GO MOOSE!!
Rick
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Who care's about the Duck's & Canucks.....I only care about what happens with the Moose......frankly I cheer for the Canucks to lose in the play-offs so they return all eligible players to us........I agree with Matt, Chris, and Moose Cutie.........Go Moose!!!!!!!!!
MightyMoose
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 9th, 2010
Rick has the right idea. Our team is number one.Chris will have a field day with this one.
Pami
commented on
Thursday, Feb 11th, 2010
Hey u can fight over Sexton all u want I'm from Bakersfield - He's an awesome player he DESERVES to get a chance to play for whatever NHL team he wants! He is the nicest guy and Anaheim picked the wrong guy to send back. But, u know what? Ir comes back and bites ya! Moose fans you are LUCKY to have him. Cause the fans in Bakersfield we'd FIGHT cha for him!
Surge
commented on
Thursday, Feb 11th, 2010
Should be interesting if both, The Moose and Condors make the playoffs. Where will Sexton go? Echl playoffs begin before the end of the Ahl season. I guess time will tell...
GO CONDORS!
big ern
commented on
Saturday, Feb 13th, 2010
you go sexton, you have the right attitude to becaome a very rewarded athlete
big ern
commented on
Saturday, Feb 13th, 2010
sexton you better come play for the condors
when the need arises, we been a devoted fan base and we desrve that cup
Rick
commented on
Sunday, Feb 14th, 2010
Was at the game tonight.......Marlies looked awesome.....You would never know they are in last place.......Reimer played awesome in net.........10,000 people got their money's worth tonight. Great game!!
Wendy
commented on
Sunday, Feb 14th, 2010
Still holding out hope for Sexton to be back in Bakersfield even though he deserves to be in the NHL. What amazing talent and the attitude to match.
Paul
commented on
Monday, Feb 15th, 2010
Let's see.. the rags of Bakersfield (first in our division, 69 points, pct .615) to your riches in Manitoba (fourth in your division, 68 points, pct .527) and Anaheim the richest of the rich (LAST PLACE in their division, 67 points)..
Yes, he definitely moved up.. We'd take your team on any day Manitoba.
Delores
commented on
Tuesday, Feb 16th, 2010
Yes it was sad to see him leave Bakersfield, but I am so happy for him and what he has accomplished. I am sad to see the selfishness of some of your writers. We all in Bako are very happy for Dan. We all wish him the best. You all need to realize that this is what these to leagues are for. It is to help young guys get to the NHL. Dan we miss you but wish you the best. You are a class act.
