Jamie Devane's Skill, Size Helps Plymouth Whalers

Although the move was a minor blip on the Sports Transactions page, it has a major impact on the Plymouth Whalers:

10/11/2011 Jamie Devane (LW) Toronto DEL Reassigned by Toronto (NHL) to Plymouth (OHL)

If Devane’s first three games are any indication with Plymouth, he’ll be the middle of all that is positive with Whalers this year.  In his first weekend in Plymouth, Devane has two goals (including the game-winner last Friday in a 6-3 victory over Niagara) with an assist for three points in three games.  He’s also +3 with nine PIM’s.

Devane played a regular shift, killed penalties, played on the power play and – when he wasn’t in the penalty box – created a lot of open space for himself and his teammates.

That’s what the Toronto Maple Leafs were thinking when they sent Devane back to the Whalers.

“We’re going to do the right thing with Jamie,” said Dave Morrison, Director of Amateur Scouting for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the Whalers opening night in Owen Sound.  “What that is remains to be seen. Jamie will eventually tell us with his play.”

As Whaler fans know, Devane can be an intimidating presence out on the ice who doesn’t necessarily have to fight.  Ask Niagara’s David Pacan, who had a verbal feud with Devane last Friday.

“He was going after our goalie and young d-men and I gave him a little word,” Devane said.  “He’s been quiet ever since.”

Much like his linemate last season, James Livingston, Devane comes to Plymouth this season with a purpose.

“I was a little disappointed being sent down, but I’m coming back here to a real good team with a lot of potential,” Devane said  “Toronto told me to continue to work on things and (now) I’m taking on a leadership role.  They’re really positive with me coming down.  I’m going to work on my skating, because everything up there is a step quicker – and maybe improve my offensive skills as well.”

While in Plymouth, Devane will be working with power-skating instructor Kim Muir, who runs the Can’t Skate, Can’t Play power skating schools.  Although Muir may be a foot shorter than Devane, she’s worked with players of all levels, including Detroit Red Wings and other players in the National Hockey League.

Meanwhile, Devane sees the Whalers as a team that will improve.

“This team is really skilled,” he said. “We have three first-rounders, the young guys are good and the goaltenders are really steady, so we have a chance to be a really good team."

Plymouth is on the road for five straight games - 10/21 at Erie, 10/22 at Niagara, 10/23 at Mississauga, 10/26 at Saginaw and 10/28 at Sault Ste. Marie - before returning home Oct. 29 at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena against Kingston.

All games this weekend will be broadcast on www.plymouthwhalers.com with Saturday's broadcast on WSDP-FM, 88.1 as well.  The broadcast Friday from Erie will start at 6:50 p.m.; Saturday's broadcast from Niagara at 6:50 p.m. and Sunday's broadcast from Mississauga at 1:50 p.m.

NEW PLYMOUTH WHALERS WEEKLY: Pete Krupsky chats with third-year defenseman Nick Malysa.  Plymouth Whalers Weekly can be heard on WSDP-FM, 88.1 each Monday from 5:45-6pm.

OTTERS STRUGGLING: Erie comes into Friday's game with Plymouth a 1-8-0-0 and has allowed a league-high 53 goals against.  The Otters have been going with Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festarini in goal.  Overage Ramis Sadiov hasn't played yet, but he may see action this weekend, according to the Erie-Times News.

WILLIAMSON CALL OUT THE 'DOGS: The Whalers defeated Niagara, 6-3, last Friday.  After Niagara lost again the next night to Saginaw, IceDogs GM-Head Coach Marty Williamson called his team out in the St. Catharines Standard.  In response, the IceDogs are looking to refocus with renewed work ethic.