Gorges in Montreal
r After years of being overlooked and underappreciated, Josh Gorges forced the hockey world to stand up and take notice in 2008-09.
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r The 25-year-old Kelowna native was arguably one of the Montreal Canadiens’ top defencemen last season, posting career highs in goals, assists, plus-minus and ice time.
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r Still, even with his new found confidence and added respect from his coaches and peers, Gorges isn’t relying on the past as the Habs kick off their 2009-10 training camp on Saturday.
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r “It was a big year for me, no question about it,” said Gorges, who is entering his fifth season in the NHL. “I’m coming into training camp feeling like I know what to expect and what’s expected of me, but it doesn’t matter who you are, you still have to showcase yourself and show what you can do.
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r “Last year I wanted to come in and play a more dominant role,” Gorges continued, “and I got the opportunities to do that. I felt like I belonged when I was out there and I started to play with more confidence. Having said that, I don’t think anything should be given, and I’m going to have to go out and prove myself like everybody else.”
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r Gorges’ big break came in mid-November when friend and teammate Mike Komisarek was felled by an injury. Gorges was promoted to the Habs’ top defensive pairing with perennial all-star Andrei Markov where the former Rockets’ captain quickly proved his wares, both in a shutdown role and as an occasional threat in the offensive zone.
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r Gorges finished the season with four goals and 23 points while posting the best plus-minus rating at plus-12 in 81 games. Toss in 22 minutes of ice time per outing and Gorges finished last season as one of Montreal’s most dependable rearguards.
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r Despite Gorges’ personal success, 2009 ended in disappointment as the Canadiens’ barely made the playoffs, then were ousted in the opening round by the Boston Bruins.
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r It was an off season of change for the Canadiens who hired Jacques Martin as their new head coach, signed free agents Scott Gomez, Mike Cammallieri, Brian Gionta and Travis Moen, while several players moved on including Komisarek, Chris Higgins and Saku Koivu.
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r Gorges admits he has mixed feelings about losing some valued teammates, but can’t help but be excited about the new direction the Canadiens have taken.
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r “It’s one of those bittersweet feelings, you develop a bond with your teammates and it’s tough to see all those guys go, they were good friends of mine,” said Gorges. “But at the same time, it’s an exciting time for the team, a fresh start. It was a disappointing and long summer for everyone after losing out so early, so it’s great to be back at it.
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r “With the additions we’ve made up front, we’re going to be quick with a lot of skill, guys that can make plays, and veteran guys who have won Stanley Cups,” he said. “These guys know what it takes and that’s important because expectations are always high in Montreal.
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r “It might take us some time to grow together, but once we do I really believe we’re going to have strong team and a good year.”
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r The signing of Moen marks a reunion of sorts as Gorges played with the gritty 6-foot-3 forward for two seasons with the Kelowna Rockets.
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r “(Travis) was my roommate on the road when we played in Kelowna,” Gorges recalled. “We’re pretty close, so it’ll be nice to be around him again.”
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r Gorges and the Canadiens will open the new NHL season Thursday, Oct. 1 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
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