Tweet
Portland Pirates rookie forward Tim Kennedy had access to a NHL-caliber workout facility last summer.
No, scratch that. It was a NHL facility, period. Namely, the Buffalo Sabres' HSBC Arena.
It came complete with top-level coaching, state-of-the-art-equipment, luxurious changing quarters and, in the perk of all perks, exercise partners in the form of real, live Sabres.
Kennedy is a native of Buffalo who lives just a few minutes away from his hometown barn. And as a top Buffalo prospect, the Sabres were more than happy to open their doors for him.
"It's better than going to a gym and working by yourself," Kennedy said. "Even though you are working out, you are working out in the Sabres' room. It gives you something to work for. You look up (in the arena), all the seats are empty. You imagine what it would be to play there."
Kennedy has been doing that for most of his 22 years, actually, and he's virtually at the point where he won't need to wonder any more. He second among AHL rookies in assists (17) and is tied for second with 22 points. Few prospect-parent team pairings seem more inevitable than the hometown kid and an NHL club looking for a little juice.
Just don't expect Kennedy's closest circle of fans to stray from the game plan that's helped him reach this precipice in the first place.
"My friends always tell me I'm not a professional hockey player. I'm still the same kid who lived down the street from them. You're not going to get any special breaks from us," Kennedy said. "You just have to stay humble. My parents and friends never let my head get too big."
he will be the next one that the Sabres call up if a forward gets
Comment