Huskies’ defence suddenly deeper

Greenan played in Kootenay in WHL

If Chad Greenan didn’t receive a bonus for signing a professional contract in Germany, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies received theirs, quite unexpectedly.

Greenan had his European hockey vacation end abruptly and was soon on his way back to North America, arriving on the doorstep of old Rutherford Rink on campus.

“Since I showed up I’ve been treated really good. All the guys are very nice, so it kind of helps out,” said Greenan, a defenceman who played for the WHL’s Kootenay Ice with fellow Huskies recruit Steve Da Silva.

“I’m not too sure what happened (in Germany), whether it was a little bit of a money problem that they couldn’t afford to keep all of us (imports). Two imports got sent back.

“Now I now what to expect. If I go over there again, I kind of know what I should be looking for before I sign anything.”

Greenan’s friendship with Da Silva was a main drawing card to the U of S. In fact, Da Silva helped recruit Greenan.

Greenan, a native of St. Albert, Alta., apparently wasn’t tempted to play for the rival University of Alberta Golden Bears,

“I wanted to move away and experience something else,” he said.
Added Da Silva: “Coming back here to the U of S is probably a good decision. He’ll have the same options afterwards. He can still play pro back in Europe.

“He’ll bring a lot to the team. He’s put up points in the Western League. If he’s given the right opportunity, with the power play and stuff, he’ll help us out. He’s got a big heavy shot, so if we can use it, he’ll be very beneficial.”

Da Silva and Greenan were fixtures Kootenay’s power play.

on

“I wouldn’t say we’re specialists,” said Greenan, “but I like to play the power play. I kind of quarterbacked it the last two years in Kootenay, so I have a general idea of what to do.”

With the arrival of Greenan, the Dogs are deep on the blue-line with 10 defencemen, five of whom are returnees.

It’s a nice problem for U of S coach Dave Adolph and his assistants.

“It’s sort of a rare feat for us to get two bluechippers from one team, but we’ve done that,” Adolph said. “Chad is a big, strong, mobile defenceman who’s got a great shot. Once we get him through his first year of school, he’s a real keeper.

“His first comment when he came here and practised here was ‘Can’t believe the rink.’ He was a little taken back, but we assured him that we never lose here and we promote athletic excellence. Rutherford Rink is just part of our legacy that we’re dealing with.”