Bobby Robins Still Aspires to Play in the NHL

Robins, a fighter who could eventually fill Shawn Thornton’s skates when No. 22’s playing days are done, has put a lot of miles and time into his dream to reach the NHL, going from the AHL to the ECHL to Europe to the ECHL and then finally Providence after signing with the Bruins during the 2011-12 season.

But the AHL isn’t where he wants to be, of course. He wants to be in the NHL, and when he came back from Europe he did so with a plan to slug his way there. He always was a physical player, but not like what he’s been in Providence. In 107 games for the P-Bruins he’s gotten in 55 fights, meaning he’s averaging more than one fight every two games. Last season, he had 35, which was tops in the AHL by eight.

“That’s what I was doing my first few years in the minors,” Shawn Thornton said of taking the tough path to the NHL. “It’s not an easy job. Having 35 in one year in any league gets my respect.”