The Veteran-Rookie Relationship

Last night 21-year old rookie Joel Rechlicz dropped the gloves against Georges Laraque, who some consider to be the best fighter in the league.  After a long square off, the rookie didn’t make the right move and it was over quickly.  While the fight won’t be replayed over and over on highlight reels, it was important and plays a role in the development of all tough guys who enter the NHL.

When asked if accepting a rookie challenge is part of the code, Big Georges said he was just giving Wrecker the opportunity he had, “I respect Joel, he’s a good kid and is doing a really good job so far. He’s trying to make a name for himself, just like me when I was a rookie. Guys like Twist, Probert, Grimson… all accepted the challenge when I was trying to make a name for myself. It is the code in some way.”

Rechlicz was appreciative. “I lined up to Georges on the draw after the second goal was scored by the Habs and we were down 2-0. Georges looked at me and said, “do you want to do this?” and I obliged him. I knew at some point in the game I would have asked him, or he would have for sure given me a chance, and that’s exactly what Georges did. He gave a rookie like myself a chance to go. It wasn’t the best fight I’ve ever had, but you live and learn, and I thank Georges for giving me a chance.”

Laraque added, “There’s nothing to lose, well for me anyway. Losing a fight is not the end of the world, who cares. Showing up is what counts. When I play any rookie fighters, I know in my mind before the game there might be a chance they ask. Unless I’m hurt or the coach has advised me not too, I have never declined anyone.”

The long square off to start the fight certainly lead to different mindsets.  Understandably, Rechlicz was a little on edge. “I was a little nervous, but I didn’t want to rush into him when he was just waiting there for me and had his left cocked back. I mean it would be real stupid of me to just rush in on him, but eventually I had to get in there and do something - and I did, but my grab wasn’t good enough and he took me down.”

Laraque went into it like any other fight. “I never expect anything other than not being jumped so whether it’s long [the square off] and I come in first or he does, my style is always the same: hold with one end and punch with the other. I’m not a wrestler like lot of people think. To me they must be blind because if I was a wrestler everyone would want to fight me, because that way you don’t hurt anyone. And also, I don’t care that my fights are not entertaining. I don’t fight to be entertaining.  I fight to win, quick and clear with no damage, period. Most guys do, especially the best ones!”

Was Laraque as tough as Rechlicz expected?  “Georges is very strong, he’s one of the strongest guys in the world of hockey. When he grabs onto you, you usually know you’re in some sort of trouble. He is very, very strong.”

Wrecker’s now dropped the gloves seven times in the past month between his NHL debut and his last bout in the AHL.  It’s typical for a young tough guy to try and make a quick splash in the league, but it’s not easy.  Asked how hard it’s wearing him down Rechlicz said, “You’re right it’s hard on the body, but this is what makes enforcers true warriors. There’s definitely no point in stopping now and I am working hard to improve day by day so I can get better. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world of sports, but I love what I do, I love doing it, and I am very lucky to have all the opportunities that I have been given. The best thing you can do is just stay hungry all the time. Trevor Gillies told me that last year and I thought it was the best advice given to me.”