Regehr forgoes FAcy, signs four-year extension

Robyn Regehr hopes to hoist more even more hardware for the Baffin Island Rovers over the next four seasons.









Iqaluit, NU (CP)

On the eve of beginning their RHL15 playoff run, Robyn Regehr wanted to ensure that future playoff runs would also be made as a Rover. With unrestricted free agency weeks away, Regehr and the Rovers agreed to a four year contract extension reportedly valued at more than five million dollars, though exact figures were not disclosed.

"I'm just happy to put this behind me", Regehr said at the press conference. "It had been looming, and while I wasn't looking to go anywhere else, it can play on your mind if you are always asked about it. I'm glad the team wanted me as much as I wanted to stay".

The feeling was definitely mutual. "Robyn really stepped up and has developed into one of the leaders of the club", coach and GM Stringer said of his rearguard. "He's going to be one of the guys that will be helping our younger dmen (Phaneuf, Liles, Michalek) down the road. We're ecstatic to get this done".

Regehr has just completed his fourth season with Baffin, being acquired prior to RHL12 in a deal with the Snow Dogs. He played in all 66 games with the team this year and registered his best offensive season with the club scoring 3 goals and 14 points. He sits 6th all-time and 2nd among defensemen in franchise history with 218 games played in the teal and black. Regehr has one RHL ring to his credit, although he was a black ace during the Rovers' RHL13 championship run. He was a regular last season when the Rovers fell one win short of repeating against the Vampyres and is looking forward to this playoff and others in the future. "Winning a championship is awesome, but knowing that you really contributed to it is even better. But then getting a chance to finally play and coming so close last year, that's a taste we all want to get out of our mouths. I think we've got a team that can do it this season".

The Rovers have more free agents to deal with, including forwards Mark Recchi, Cory Stillman, and Jeff Halpern as well as defensemen Danny Markov and Sean Hill. But right now nobody is talking about that. "We've inked Robyn today, but that doesn't mean there's anything to ready into about anyone else. We'll try to keep everybody, but that's not what we're focussed on right now. Today we are getting ready to play our first playoff game next week, and that's what 23 guys in the room are all about".

Regular Season Wrap-up

After an entire month off the staff here at Rover Report have found it difficult to get back into the swing of production, but given that our paycheques have ceased to flow we have suddenly re-discovered our zeal for writing. And besides, it's the most wonderful time of the year: the playoffs are upon us!

The Rovers concluded RHL15 with a strong showing, posting the second-best point total in franchise history with 39 wins and 89 points, second to their 91 point performance in their championship RHL13 campaign. However they can't help but feel they dropped the ball down the stretch and can point to a late season loss to the Mounties and a final-day tie against the Capones which took them out of what could have been a first-place finish. Instead, the Rovers end up in 3rd place in the Champs, a point behind Chicago and two back of Kitchener. While this still means a first-round bye and home-ice in the second round, it will also mean a tougher second-round opponent and ultimately a tougher road to the title should they win that opening series.

However, this piece is not to look ahead, but to look back. The Rovers of RHL15 did not have the firepower that they have had the previous two seasons, but instead focussed on defense and as a result posted the best team GAA in franchise history. They allowed 132 goals for an even two goals per game, which was a full 32 goals fewer than they allowed in RHL13. The tandem of Martin Gerber and rookie Chris Mason performed better than any could have expected and the Rovers rode their defense to low-scoring victories all season long. The offense, while not as potent as years past, still managed 191 goals, which was two behind the Mounties and third in the conference behind the Capones. With stalwarts Pavol Demitra and Glen Murray having down years, the offense was spread around more evenly. In fact for the first time in franchise history a defenseman led the team in scoring, with Kim Johnsson proving to be the catalyst for the Rovers offense for the balance of the year. Let's look now at regular season grades for each Rover skater and goaltender.

Forwards

B+ Glen Murray: No Rover forward really deserves an A this season, but Murray did pot a team-leading 21 goals with 7 on the PP and 4 GWG. He was also a force in the corners all season.

B Olli Jokinen: Jokinen languished in a third line role for the first half of the season, but responded well once promoted to the top line in the second half.

B Mark Recchi: Meshed well with Demitra on the second line, but most of his numbers were still scored with the Aviators.

B- Pavol Demitra: An off-year for the franchise's leading scorer, failing to crack 40 pts and only managing 12 goals.

B- Cory Stillman: Clicked only sporadically with Jokinen and Murray, but can erase ho-hum season with big playoff performance.

B- Nathan Horton: 14 goals for the rookie and time on the second line down the stretch. Hopes to get back in the lineup soon after suffering last-day injury against Capones.

C+ Kris Draper: Big contributor to Rovers best-ever PK season, but didn't chip in as much offensively as expected.

C+ Patrice Bergeron: Saw very limited action, but showed club enough to believe that he can be counted on in the future.

C Jeff Halpern: Big player on PK, limited contribution at 5-5.

C Antti Laaksonen: See Halpern, Jeff

C Adam Hall: See Halpern and Laaksonen

C- Alexander Frolov: Much more was expected in what could have been break-out season. Still talent is there and organization is still very supportive.

D David Legwand: Buried on fourth line, franchise leader in games played was unable to contribute all season.

D Manny Malhotra: Didn't play much, didn't do much when he did.

Defensemen

A+ Kim Johnsson: Led the team in points, assists, PPG, and minutes, Johnsson was Mr. Everything for the team. A top Shore contender.

A Chris Pronger: The team's big UFA signing did not disappoint, filling the shoes of Rob Blake by leading the team in min/g, blocked shots, and contributed offensively.

B+ Robyn Regehr: Not known for offense, Regehr had his best season as a Rover. Provided blocked shots and solid defense, along with excellent PK work.

B Danny Markov: The final addition to the team near the deadline, Markov performed very well and stepped up when injuries hit the blueline corps.

B- Sean Hill: Limited ice-time as #6, but found ways to contribute offensively while blocking shots and making crisp passes.

C- Eric Brewer: Played top-4 minutes with PP time, but never hit his stride all season. Deft passer, but almost no assists to show for it.

D John-Michael Liles: Rookie only saw injury-replacement time, playing just four games.

INC Steve Montador: Did not see action all season.

Goaltenders

A Martin Gerber: Acquired from the Sockeyes at the start of the year, Gerber played most of the first half before splitting time in the second half. Set career highs in GP, W, and GAA.

A Chris Mason: The rookie didn't get off the bench much early in the season, but when called upon in the second half was more than ready. Marks of 1.88 GAA and 91.96% stand as franchise bests, if only through 24 games.