To The Editor:
About the story Warriors release defenseman Reagan Rome in Tuesday's Moose Jaw Times-Herald...
Regarding coach Len Nielsen's comments about other defensemen coming in "hungrier to play". Last season Reagan came back to play two days after having a broken nose reset in Regina because coach Nielsen was short of defensemen. He was supposed to stay out for 10 days.
Reagan suffered a concussion during a game against Saskatoon. Again he came back too soon because he was asked to. Late in the season he suffered a separated shoulder. Again he came back too soon because he was asked to and wanted to contribute. He was willing to play hurt to contribute.
Reagan played all through this year's Main Camp with a badly bruised foot because he wanted to earn a position. He could have sat out, as other players have in the past.
This season Reagan drove 300 miles one way, at his own expense, to attend Warrior conditioning camp because he wanted to show the coaching staff that he was dedicated to the team. He could have stayed in Brandon and attend Andy Murray's conditioning camp. Coach Nielsen asked Reagan if he would return later to help with Rookie Camp. Again Reagan did so at his own expense because he felt a loyalty to the Warriors.
I think Reagan has demonstrated that he was one of the "hungrier" players for a position on the Warrior roster.
I also believe that in the 42 games that he was on the game sheet last season he needed to play more than three to four shifts per game to demonstrate his skill level. I attended one game where he dressed but never played one shift against the last place team in their division. It is difficult, if not impossible, to get heated up and be at the top of your game when played this sparingly and very tough to put points up as well.
In closing, I would like to commend the Warrior Booster Club for all the work they do for the players and extend our appreciation to the fans and especially to the billet families for making players feel at home, away from home.
Yours in hockey
The Rome Family
Nesbitt, Man.
Editor's Note
Reagan Rome has found a new home in Humboldt and is already making his mark with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Humboldt Broncos. *Go Reagan!*
In his first game Wednesday the 18-year-old defenseman scored in helping Humboldt to a 4-2 win over Kindersley. *See what happens when you actually let him play Mr. Coach Len Nielsen?!*
-taken from the Moose Jaw Times-Herald
Thursday, September 30, 1999
