http://www.nunews.neu.edu/nu-news/Issues/070198/s4.html
Robitaille starts Maple Leaf mini-camp
Mischler, Fahey taken in NHL draft
By Mike Trocchi
News Staff
7/1/98
As reported in The Northeastern News June 3, Northeastern goaltender Marc
Robitaille has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Terms of the deal were
finalized June 4.
“It’s official on my end,” said Robitaille when contacted two days later.
According to Robitaille, he will make approximately $1.8 million over the life
of a 2-year contract.
The former NU netminder began mini-camp in Toronto on Monday. The session will
include physical testing and orientation around the city of Toronto.
Robitaille said he is training in earnest, having hired a personal trainer and
sports psychologist to help him make the NHL team.
Robitaille has withdrawn from his cooperative education job at Nesbitt-Barnes
financial investments and is in the process of withdrawing from Northeastern. He
will forgo his final two years of eligibility at NU.
“It was tough,” Robitaille said about the decision. “I had a great time at
Northeastern.
“I had a great year, a great time,” he continued. “I really appreciate the
support.”
Robitaille also said he will miss his teammates and could not have reached this
point without them.
“Without them, the dream wouldn’t be coming true,” he said.
Robitaille said he is working out full time to make the Maple Leafs roster. The
Maple Leafs main training camp begins Sept. 11.
Toronto Associate General Manager Mike Smith said signing Robitaille was a
necessary and productive step for the organization.
“He’s a free agent and we were looking to get a goalie prospect that can
eventually step in,” Smith said.
***********
The Vancouver Canucks drafted Northeastern sophomore Graig Mischler in the 1998
NHL draft on Saturday. Mischler was taken in the eighth round, 204th overall.
Fear not, Husky fans. Mischler plans to stay at Northeastern to continue his
career and pursue his degree.
“It was a surprise,” Mischler said of being drafted. “I was so shocked.”
He admits he didn’t believe there was much interest in him after only one
season. But Vancouver coach Mike Keenan and company saw enough of the center to
make him their eighth pick.
“In my mind, I’m going back [to NU] for my degree,” Mischler said.
There will be quite the incentive, however, to impress Vancouver scouts and
improve his chances of making an impact in the NHL.
“Definitely,” admitted Mischler. “It will be a little incentive.” For Mischler
and the Huskies, next season will also be a chance to continue building a
national contender — now without Robitaille.
“We were the ones who made our fate,” said Mischler, reminding everyone that
Robitaille was not a one-man team.
Mischler had seven goals and 13 assists in 39 games last season for the Huskies.
Incoming freshman Jim Fahey of Catholic Memorial was also drafted, going to the
San Jose Sharks in the eighth round, 212th overall.
***********
Also adding to the goaltending woes is the transfer of sophomore Andrew Puttick
to Vermont. According to the NU hockey offices, Puttick will not be playing
hockey at UVM. His departure leaves sophomore Dan Calore, who played little last
season, and two incoming freshmen to challenge for the goaltending position.
