Dec 7 Boston (Fergy, Sugsy)

BOSTON --  Caught up with Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson between periods of the Leafs/Bruins game. Chatted about Leafs prospects, both on the Marlies and those still in amateur.
  Most of what I got will be used in the upcoming FAB50 Prospect section (you’ll see that around Ground Hog Day).
  Fergie was naturally most excited about Marlie goalie Justin Pogge, and speedy winger Robbie Earl, both of them rookies.
  He was even more excited about the fact that 11 of the current Leafs came through their AHL club.
  “It was only one, when I got here, three years ago,” he said.
  Fergie is an old AHL guy (played in it, was later GM at Worcester for St. Louis), and has a real feel for it.
  He’s been under fire a bit, and would be nice to see him get some credit for the job he’s done in Toronto. But then again, not much slack to be cut in ol’ TO if you don’t win the Cup.



Just happened to notice that Syracuse Crunch enforcer Brandon Sugden announced his retirement today. Haven‘t seen the Crunch yet this year, and don‘t know if he was getting any ice time, or whether he was healthy.
  But Sugs will always remain strong on his skates in my memory for having worked his way back from his alcoholic and rage-oholic ways to get a litte something out of his hockey career,
   Sugs was once handed a lifetime ban while back in the ECHL for throwing his stick at a lady heckler in the crowd. The subject of her taunt was Sugden’s well known battles with the bottle….liquid and pills …and he snapped.
  Ultimately he was reinstated, was given a chance by the Crunch, and stayed with them for four seasons….think he even got called up by Columbus, but never got to dress. (Think I’m right about that…)
 Sugs gave me one of the best 10 minute interviews I ever had. Went to Syracuse shortly after his reinstatement to do a piece for Minor League News. Tried to capture it properly. Could see the emotion in his eyes.
 God Bless you, Sugs….stay sober, amigo….