REPORT: TSN - Stefan Legein could be quitting hockey

[GeneralJeremy]

The Columbus Blue Jackets got some shocking news on Tuesday when they learned that prospect Stefan Legein (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6211) has decided to quit playing hockey.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets were informed of Legein's decision by his agent Doug Woods, telling them he won't be at training camp and has decided to hang up his skates at the age of 19.






http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=246953&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main

[leafs1717]

wow if he actually does this.. it will be a big surprise...if your read on into it, his dad denies the report but who knows.... i will be in shock if he decides to hang them up..come on your 19 and the stars are your limit... one word.........wow

[GeneralJeremy]

Doesnt make sense to me either quitting when your this close.

[leafs1717]

yeh man...good call on putting it up here...i bet most ppl will be in shock for sure

[rocks_82]

He has some issues that Ray Emery was dealing with while he played for Ottawa that weren't really reported by the media. A lot of people with inside information know what is happening. It's too bad.

[AlphaDog]

Could be other issues too. I don't want to read too much into it, but even hockey players have the same problems the rest of us to. Sad to here it. Hopefully more info on why will come. Actually, hopefully it was just a blow-up or something with staff and he just acted in haste, and come back to the team!

[RioBravo]

Oh man, that absolutely blows my mind... Was a really classy guy when I met him and he seemed to have a bit of potential into him. Just hoping everything is ok with him in his personal life.

[Niagara Ice Puppies]

Could someone please elaborate on these issues ?

[skatee]

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/legein_of_doom_done.shtml
this is the place that allegedly broke the story
---
Legein of Doom Done?

My guess is the Stefan Legein story is only getting started. As it stands, it's a mystery.
To recap:
Rumors began flying in Oakville, Ontario, the last couple of days that Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets' second-round draft pick in 2007, has quit hockey. Typically, I don't even make phone calls on something that sounds so preposterous, but this quickly started "getting legs," as they say, by Tuesday afternoon.
After trying numerous sources, and being met with no comments or a surprising lack of surprise, I was finally able to nail it down as true that Legein has told the Blue Jackets he won't be attending training camp. GM Scott Howson confirmed it later in the day. You'll read his quotes in Wednesday's Dispatch. (Right?)
I spoke with both of Legein's parents and his agent, Doug Woods, later in the evening on Tuesday.
Chris Legein, the father said: "When does training camp start, Sept. 19 or 20? Until Sept. 20, he hasn't quit anything." (To clarify: Legein would need to be in Columbus on Sept. 12, as he's on the list to take part in rookie camp up in Traverse City, Mich.)
Woods would not comment, although he did confirm speaking with Howson on Tuesday. Also, he told me to call him back on Wednesday. We'll do.
The burning question, of course, is what's going on with Legein?
He helped lead Canada to another World Junior Championship last January, serving as alternate captain. He's as cocky and gregarious as any player I've ever been around, so full of energy and passion for the game. He had such a great skill set, a big-time agitator with hands and feet good enough to play on a third line, maybe a second.
But late last season, after he came back from the shoulder injury, Legein wasn't the same player. That's what lots of folks in Ontario told me today. He didn't get along great with his junior club teammates, the Niagara IceDogs, and he left the Syracuse Crunch after only two playoff games, saying he wanted to go back home to start working out and getting ready for 2008-09 season.
Be honest: Have you ever heard of any athlete at any level who would rather work out than play a game?
Legein took part in the Blue Jackets' development camp, but he was not one of the five or six most noticeable players, as one might expect. Typically, agitator types don't do well in "camp" settings because those are your teammates you're going up against. But Legein did not fare well in camp. He wasn't in great shape, either, apparently.
It'll be interesting to see what lies ahead here. The Blue Jackets considered Legein one of their top prospects, but they weren't counting on him to make the 2008-09 roster, necessarily. Their chief concern is that Legein is making this decision on his own merits, that there aren't other problems that could be worked through to make his outlook change. If he needs help, they'll help him get it. Right now, they've been told only that he's "lost the passion" needed to play the game.
In Calgary last year, prospect Dan Ryder failed to show up for prospects camp, showed up late for main training camp and left after only a few days. He was done for good, or so it was believed. This year, Ryder is ready to play again and will be back in camp with the Flames.
I'm not saying this is the same situation, but maybe Legein will be back. For now, the thrill is gone.
-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com


Posted by Aaron Portzline on August 20, 2008 1:27 AM | Permalink (http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/legein_of_doom_done.shtml)

[skatee]

an earlier one
----
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/shocker_1.shtml
Shocker

Right winger Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets' second-round pick in 2007 and one of the top up-and-coming agitators, has decided to quit playing hockey.
Not joking.
I didn't believe it either, but it's been confirmed just a few minutes ago by the Blue Jackets. They got a call today from Legein's agent, Doug Woods, telling them he won't be at training camp and has decided to hang up his skates. He'll be 20 years old in three months.
This story is shocking on so many different levels. Earlier today, I got an email from a Puck-Rakers reader, Bethany, of Bethany's Hockey Rants. Actually, it was a "forward" of an email she got from an anonymous person in Ontario saying Legein had retired.
After a slew of phone calls to sources throughout the NHL, I finally got somebody to tell be off the record that's it true. Just a few minutes ago, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed it.
Legein's mother, Christine, said around 5 p.m. that she hadn't heard the news yet. Either Stefan has some explaining to do, or Mrs. Legein wasn't in the talking mood. I can't blame her if she wasn't. UPDATE: Just talked to Stefan's father, who said: "Until Sept. 20 (when training camp starts), he hasn't quit anything." He did confirm, however, that Doug Woods still represents his son as an agent.
I've since gotten two more calls from north of the border saying it's true. Unbelievable. This isn't a 35-year-old veteran we're talking about, or a 25-year-old who's never going to get an NHL shot. This is a young player with a real bright future ahead of him.
We have a full story in Wednesday's Dispatch. Somehow I don't think it'll be our last story on the topic.
In other news ...
I'll have another update later tonight about Filatov. This is good news for you Blue Jackets fans.
-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com

[skatee]

best of luck to legein... i hope he reconsiders IF this is true.
as his dad said... camp is sept. 20... and until then... Im going to cross my fingers for him. he has a lot of potential and a heap of heart no matter what BS people have to say about him.

[AlphaDog]

Yep, he's got TONS of heart. Was always the first one into a fight to stick up for a friend. I remember I think it was Merrit was blasted from behind into the boards by someone. Legein came FLYING from the other side of the ice and tackled him.

There have been rumours about the way he got along with the team, so maybe he just flew off the handle and said "that's it! I quit!" but will cool down and recollect his thoughts.

I think he should get on a STRICT workout program, high-protein foods, and try to bulk up to at least 190. He had his speed back after his shoulder injury but didn't see (to me at least) to push himself like he used to. If he could add on a bunch of muscle I think it would do a world of good for him, especially how he feels about his injury.

Lets hope it's just a temper tantrum. He's been pretty much my favorite player ever since day 1, so it would be terrible if he hung up the skates.

[Phil Margonis]

He has some issues that Ray Emery was dealing with while he played for Ottawa that weren't really reported by the media. A lot of people with inside information know what is happening. It's too bad.

i heard emery liked to go skiing if you know what i mean.

[tml]

Just heard this news on CKTB radio saying that their is a report out of the Blue Jacket camp that Stefan Legein has decided to quit playing hockey and will not report to training camp. A later report said that Stefan's father has denied the report and has said that everyone needs to wait and see on Sept 12 when training camp is supposed to start.

[tml]

I hope the kid is o.k. It seems like a waste of great potential. Sounds like the young man needs a councellor.

[rocks_82]

i heard emery liked to go skiing if you know what i mean.


Would have won an Olympic medal on the bumps. Could be the same issue here.

[Canuck311]

this cant be true..

[Canuck311]

this is crazey!

[ADOGFAN]

I was working last night and a guy who lives in Oshawa asked me if I heard about this

[B-Rad]

Well, as long as he's happy....if it's true, hopefully this won't be something that he regrets a few years down the road

[ItsGameTime]

Unreal, didn't see this one coming at all.

Note: I'm changing the thread of this title until I see some evidence that Legein himself confirms this.

[skatee]

the second paragraph is so true. let's not vilify him... and wait and see what precipitates


THN.com Blog: Don't vilify Stefan Legein for stepping away

http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/300/article_17600_2.jpg (http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/article_17600_2.jpg)
Stefan Legein appears poised to give up his hockey career at age 19. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/membre/50/membre_28.jpg Adam Proteau
2008-08-20 11:53:09

The news out of Columbus (http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17594-Report-Blue-Jackets-draft-pick-Stefan-Legein-hanging-up-skates-at-19.html) late Tuesday – namely, that Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets’ second round pick (37th overall) in 2007, was abruptly retiring at age 19 – left the team’s fans and management in a fair amount of shock.

I hope the young man isn’t vilified for his decision. Who among us hasn’t had doubts in our late teens (or for that matter, well beyond that age) about our direction in life? Legein’s biggest problem is he has been in a line of work that receives so much publicity and adulation most casual observers assume he should be down on his hands and knees in gratitude for the opportunities he’s been afforded.

That attitude has some degree of validity. At the same time, though, nobody knows what led this kid to his decision. There was also no guarantee he would’ve evolved into a full-time NHLer, especially with his modest size – he’s listed at 5-foot-10, which means he’s likely an inch or two shorter than that – and in the end, he’s the one who has to live with the ramifications of his choices, the same way we all do.

Furthermore, if I were an NHL GM, I’d rather have one of my players throw in the towel at Legein’s stage of development than deal with someone like Ray Emery, who signed a multi-million dollar contract in Ottawa before coming to the conclusion last season he just wasn’t into all that practicing-hard-and-showing-up-on-time business.

My best wishes go out to Legein, regardless of his lot in life. It couldn’t have been an easy choice – and the last thing he needs right now is thousands of second-guessers dressing him down for it.

• The other intriguing angle to this story is the way in which the news was broken: by a Blue Jackets blogger (http://bethanyshockeyrants.com/) who received an anonymous tip and forwarded it on to intrepid Columbus Dispatch reporter (and THN correspondent) Aaron Portzline, who confirmed the news with team officials.

There’s still a sizeable chasm between the hockey media establishment and bloggers, but I’m guessing that gap will shrink in the coming years. As long as both sides are on the same page in terms of accuracy and accountability, there’s room for everybody.

Indeed, at a time when the NHL has trouble selling itself to traditional media, nobody in the hockey business should be especially picky as to who piques fans’ interest in all aspects of the game.
Adam Proteau is The Hockey News' online columnist and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog (http://www.thehockeynews.com/blogs/58-Adam-Proteau.html) appears Mondays and Wednesdays, his Ask Adam (http://www.thehockeynews.com/listings/24-Ask-Adam.html) feature appears Tuesdays in the summer, and his column, Screen Shots (http://www.thehockeynews.com/columnists/72-Adam-Proteau.html), appears Thursdays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe (https://secure.indas.on.ca/care/hnc/index.php?keyw=stories) to The Hockey News magazine.

[tml]

My shock is starting to wear off and now I am just really concerned for Stefan. Unless their is something deeply personal going on in his life this just does not make sence.

[61jr]

I agree with TML (which is quite shocking in itself with his choice of professional, and with the Leafs I use that word very loosely, hockey teams). It definately sounds like there are some very big issues that have yet to come to the surface. It's not like he's a fringe player and he's decided to leave hockey to go to university and pursue a career. He's got a tonne of potential and just to hear he's decided to leave, but his own parents are denying it. Definately a lot more to the story that what's being reported.

At the end of the day, whatever Stefan chooses, whether it be continue with his hockey career or not, I just hope that the decision that he makes is his own and he is at peace with it.

[RioBravo]

I personally are hoping the details stay inside. It really is none of our business if its something personal.

[Niagara Ice Puppies]

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/legein_of_doom_done.shtml
this is the place that allegedly broke the story
---
Legein of Doom Done?

My guess is the Stefan Legein story is only getting started. As it stands, it's a mystery.
To recap:
Rumors began flying in Oakville, Ontario, the last couple of days that Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets' second-round draft pick in 2007, has quit hockey. Typically, I don't even make phone calls on something that sounds so preposterous, but this quickly started "getting legs," as they say, by Tuesday afternoon.
After trying numerous sources, and being met with no comments or a surprising lack of surprise, I was finally able to nail it down as true that Legein has told the Blue Jackets he won't be attending training camp. GM Scott Howson confirmed it later in the day. You'll read his quotes in Wednesday's Dispatch. (Right?)
I spoke with both of Legein's parents and his agent, Doug Woods, later in the evening on Tuesday.
Chris Legein, the father said: "When does training camp start, Sept. 19 or 20? Until Sept. 20, he hasn't quit anything." (To clarify: Legein would need to be in Columbus on Sept. 12, as he's on the list to take part in rookie camp up in Traverse City, Mich.)
Woods would not comment, although he did confirm speaking with Howson on Tuesday. Also, he told me to call him back on Wednesday. We'll do.
The burning question, of course, is what's going on with Legein?
He helped lead Canada to another World Junior Championship last January, serving as alternate captain. He's as cocky and gregarious as any player I've ever been around, so full of energy and passion for the game. He had such a great skill set, a big-time agitator with hands and feet good enough to play on a third line, maybe a second.
But late last season, after he came back from the shoulder injury, Legein wasn't the same player. That's what lots of folks in Ontario told me today. He didn't get along great with his junior club teammates, the Niagara IceDogs, and he left the Syracuse Crunch after only two playoff games, saying he wanted to go back home to start working out and getting ready for 2008-09 season.
Be honest: Have you ever heard of any athlete at any level who would rather work out than play a game?
Legein took part in the Blue Jackets' development camp, but he was not one of the five or six most noticeable players, as one might expect. Typically, agitator types don't do well in "camp" settings because those are your teammates you're going up against. But Legein did not fare well in camp. He wasn't in great shape, either, apparently.
It'll be interesting to see what lies ahead here. The Blue Jackets considered Legein one of their top prospects, but they weren't counting on him to make the 2008-09 roster, necessarily. Their chief concern is that Legein is making this decision on his own merits, that there aren't other problems that could be worked through to make his outlook change. If he needs help, they'll help him get it. Right now, they've been told only that he's "lost the passion" needed to play the game.
In Calgary last year, prospect Dan Ryder failed to show up for prospects camp, showed up late for main training camp and left after only a few days. He was done for good, or so it was believed. This year, Ryder is ready to play again and will be back in camp with the Flames.
I'm not saying this is the same situation, but maybe Legein will be back. For now, the thrill is gone.
-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com


Posted by Aaron Portzline on August 20, 2008 1:27 AM | Permalink (http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/legein_of_doom_done.shtml)


Thank you for posting this Skatee.

[ItsGameTime]

I personally are hoping the details stay inside. It really is none of our business if its something personal.

I agree, theres no need for us to know the details. I would like hear something from Stefan though regarding the decision.

[I.L.L.]

I'd rather not know the details only because it is obviously something very personal to him. Yes, we are fans, but in the end, it is none of our business the problems (if any) he is having. I wish Stefan nothing but luck on whatever path he chooses to take.

[61jr]

Yeah, I didn't mean that we need to know the details, I just meant that there's more than meets the eye.

[Canuck311]

wow.. this is sad to me...

im waiting for stefan's billet to log back in and post something..


s

[ItsGameTime]

wow.. this is sad to me...

im waiting for stefan's billet to log back in and post something..


s

i wouldnt count on that.

Im sure Stefans billets will have discretion and not post anything regarding this situation, considering there has only been about 1 instance of something being said by either of them. I wouldn't want them to post anything because personally, it's none of our business. I'm sure Stefan or someone within his "camp" will come out and say something when the time is right. Until then I don't think there should be any speculation as to what happened to Stefan. I really hope whatever it is he can figure it out and we will be able to see him on an NHL ice surface in the future.

[I.L.L.]

wow.. this is sad to me...

im waiting for stefan's billet to log back in and post something..


s

won't happen trust me....unless people start getting ridiculous and saying stuff they know nothing about

[ItsGameTime]

won't happen trust me....unless people start getting ridiculous and saying stuff they know nothing about


if that happens itll just get deleted (i dont care if people don't agree with it) , we don't need that at any point during this situation. speculation on something like this should be kept to ourselves and not posted here. if you want to talk about it elsewhere thats fine but not here!

[I.L.L.]

if that happens itll just get deleted (i dont care if people don't agree with it) , we don't need that at any point during this situation. speculation on something like this should be kept to ourselves and not posted here. if you want to talk about it elsewhere thats fine but not here!


:cheers2: cheers to that!

[AlphaDog]

I personally are hoping the details stay inside. It really is none of our business if its something personal.

:iagree: 100%

We all have personal issues outside of our work (hockey) that we have to deal with. If it's a personal matter, I wish him the best in sorting things out, and things like that shouldn't be dragged through the media.

[Quizzer83]

Best of luck to Stef, whatever his decision may be!

[conchar]

Good Luck to Stef in whatever he decides to do...It is really sad to see a kid with that much talent and be so close to his dream of playing in the NHL...suddenly throw it all away. Hopefully he will have a change of heart, focus on his promising career and overcome the difficulties he is going through at present. He was an exciting player to watch and no doubt has the skills to have a successful future in hockey.

[Canuck311]

It is now 10:10pm... this whole thing has truely ruined my day.

Stef .. you gotta suck it up and battle..

thats that..

[ItsGameTime]

It is now 10:10pm... this whole thing has truely ruined my day.

Stef .. you gotta suck it up and battle..

thats that..

im sure the decision wasn't easy. i don't think just telling him to "suck it up" does the whole process any justice.

With that being said, I want to wait til I hear Stefan say something because his Dad was denying the whole thing.

[IceDogs5]

Best wishes to him in whichever path he decides to take.

[RioBravo]

If you go on tsn.ca under the headlines theres a short clip where Rick Nash talks about how he believed Stef had a chance to be on the big club this year.

[rocks_82]

Has Legein quit cold turkey?



<!-- SUB TITLE 1 --> Blue Jackets GM says Oakville prospect told him 'he'd lost his desire' to play
<!-- PUBLISH DATE --> August 21, 2008
<!-- AUTHOR 1 --> Steve Milton
<!-- CREDIT 1--> The Hamilton Spectator
<!-- ARTICLE CONTENT--> (Aug 21, 2008) It is not unprecedented, but it is uncommon.
The hockey world is abuzz after Oakville's Stefan Legein had his agent inform the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday that he was quitting hockey.
"I didn't really know it was coming," Scott Howson, entering his second year as Blue Jackets GM, told The Spec yesterday.
"But, did I suspect something like this might happen? Yes, I did. That was evident last spring."
In May, Legein told the Blue Jackets during the American Hockey League playoffs that he would like to return home. He had been called up from Niagara IceDogs and got into only two games with the Syracuse Crunch, the Jackets' top farm team. It was reported that, not playing much, he wanted to get a head start on his off-season weight program.
But, Howson says, Legein already seemed to be struggling with inspiration.
"He said he didn't feel like playing, he'd lost his desire," adds Howson, the longtime GM of the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. "So he went home, with our permission. We were back healthy in Syracuse and didn't need him, so we just told him to get ready for this season. We didn't have much contact early in the off-season, but then he came to the development camp in Columbus, which was a really good sign, to me."
Unlike other top Jacket prospects, however, Legein didn't return to Columbus for the summer to work out with the team's strength and development co-ordinator. Then, the call came from agent Doug Woods on Tuesday, and Howson thought to himself before answering it that it might be about Legein retiring.
"He had lost his passion for the game and didn't want to play any more," says Howson of Legein's explanation. "The strange thing for me is that, from the way he plays, he's the last kid you'd expect this from. He's passionate and always plays with abandon. He's a Darcy Tucker type."
Legein was the Jackets' second-round choice, and 37th overall, in the National Hockey League's 2007 entry draft, conducted only a few weeks after Howson was appointed to his first general managership.
Although undersized -- 5-foot-9, 170 pounds -- Legein had created a niche for himself. The right-handed winger has a powerful shot from the lane, became a responsible defensive forward, and contributed on offence. He was also feisty, racking up 115 penalty minutes to go with 75 points in 2006-07.
He played four years with the IceDogs, three in Mississauga and last season in Niagara where he was the Ontario Hockey League's leading scorer early in the season. When Canada won the world junior championship, Legein was on the top shutdown line, but suffered a shoulder injury in the gold-medal game. He returned to have a strong playoff run, with 18 points in 10 games.
The loss of Legein won't impact upon the Jackets' immediate plans, because he was likely at least two years away from regular NHL employment, and would have spent this year learning the professional ropes in Syracuse.
Howson said there's a good chance he could become a top-nine forward in the NHL ... if he returns to the game.
Legein, who won't turn 20 until late November, is the second young prospect in two years to bolt from the AHL. Last fall, Dan Ryder, younger brother of former Bulldog Michael Ryder, left Quad City after scoring five points in his first six AHL games. He was Calgary Flames' third-round pick, 74th overall.
There are reports that Ryder agreed this summer to return to the Flames organization.
"I don't know if that situation is similar to this one or not," noted Howson, who said the team would place Legein on the suspended list if he's not present when training camp opens next month.
Legein was unavailable yesterday but his father, Chris, told The Columbus Dispatch that until training camp opens, his son "hasn't quit anything."
When a young player doesn't pan out, there is a level of embarrassment for the scouts who encouraged that the organization draft him. If there are psychological or emotional issues or, as in this rare case, a rejection of the game, often the organization will review its scouting and drafting procedures to see if some red flags had been missed.
Howson didn't say whether that would happen in Columbus, but he's always been a thorough organizer, so such internal self-examination wouldn't come as a surprise. But how do you prepare for what, at this point, seems to be a mystery?
smilton@thespec.com
905-526-3268

[skatee]

Rocks
thanks for posting.. great story and insightful from the CBJ side of thigns.

[ItsGameTime]

Legein's dad seems to be fighting the story. I'll go by his word, Stefan hasn't quit anything until he doesn't report to training camp.

[Standing Room Only]

Interesting comments from Mike Swift on the whole Legien thing. Can be found at www.blog.syracuse.com/crunch (http://www.blog.syracuse.com/crunch). Link on right hand side under a teammates thoughts. If I knew how to post the article I would maybe someone can post it for me.

[Standing Room Only]

my kid showed me how to post article

<SCRIPT language=javascript>var vs_blog_indexpage="Crunch Hockey Blog on syracuse.com";var vs_blog_category="";var vs_blog_title="A teammate's thoughts";var vs_blog_tags="";//Send to Tracking.js////var vs_blog_data = "bpblogs="+vs_blog_indexpage+"&bptitle="+vs_blog_title+"&bpcats="+vs_blog_category+"&bptags="+vs_blog_tags;</SCRIPT>A teammate's thoughts

Posted by Lindsay Kramer (http://blog.syracuse.com/crunch/about.html) August 20, 2008 3:03PM


I got ahold of one of Stefan Legein's former teammates in junior hockey, Mike Swift, and asked him his thoughts about Legein's current state of retirement.
"I don't know what's going through his head,'' Swift said. "It's weird. A kid in his position, it's everyone's dream to be where he is.''
Swift did bring up three points that seemed a little odd:
- He said he had not spoken to Legein since the end of the season. Swift said they had played together for three years, and would have expected they'd kept in touch;
- Legein left the Crunch during the playoffs last year. The party line was that he preferred to work out on his own. Nope. Swift talked to him at that point, and said Legein told him he was mad he wasn't playing.
"He thought he should have been playing every shift,'' Swift said. "But that's not how it works. He should know it.''
- I asked Swift if Legein had a best friend on Niagara. He said no, that he kind of hopped around among several teammates that he got along with, but no one seemed to stand out as particularly close to him.
None of these things, of course, means there's anything wrong with Legein. But they could be pieces of the puzzle if Legein is feeling upset about something now.

Lindsay Kramer
LKramer@Syracuse.com

[ItsGameTime]

It is a blog but the reporter seems to be legit and since it is commentary from someone on the team I'll allow it.

[dv8]

i heard emery liked to go skiing if you know what i mean.



How is that comment any different then a "rumour" about Legein ???

Its that kind of a double standard on a mods part ??



Why should anyone be allowed to say that about a NHL player, when if the comment was made about about a OHLer(whether we know them or not) it would be deleted, or modified.

[Phil Margonis]

How is that comment any different then a "rumour" about Legein ???

Its that kind of a double standard on a mods part ??



Why should anyone be allowed to say that about a NHL player, when if the comment was made about about a OHLer(whether we know them or not) it would be deleted, or modified.


Rayzor isn't a teenager either. in my mind that's where the difference lies

[skatee]

ok kids
not retiring.. taking a break...
more importantly read this.. many people scoffed at the thought what we write on here could be taken seriously and to heart by these kids.. (yes they are still kids...) but read this about stefan and how he is upset about some of the BS written over the past two days... This thread has been great.. but all the junk before.. I am sure this all adds up for a kid with as much passion and heart as he has.
---------
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/the_meeting.shtml
The Meeting
Stefan Legein and Doug Woods met this morning in Oakville, Ontario, to discuss Legein's hockey future. For the short term, nothing has changed.
"He won't be attending (Blue Jackets) training camp," Woods told The Dispatch this afternoon. "He taking time to think things over.
"In my opinion, Stefan just wants to take a break. He's tired from all the things he's gone through the last two seasons, all the tournaments, the games, the shoulder injury ... all that stuff. He feels like he needs some time and space."
Woods was adamant that Legein is not suffering from anything other than loss of passion and energy. There are no health issues, he said. There is no family or personal crises. No addictions to anything, either.
"Stefan's pretty upset, actually, at some of the stuff that's been thrown around out there on these many blogs," Woods said. "These are people who don't know what's going on, and they're saying some very inaccurate and hurtful things. It's not right.
"I'm talking about the unsolicited comments on the blogs, not the (newspaper) articles that have been written. This is a 19 year old kid, all right? He has some maturing to do, but he does not deserve this."
It's hard for most people to fathom giving up a shot at a career in pro sports. It's even harder for those who have watched Legein to play to understand how a player so passionate, so full of energy could decide to hit the brakes. This kid is a very good player, an almost sure-fire NHLer by 2009-10 or 2010-11.
Legein will no doubt have some explaining to do if he changes his mind. The Blue Jackets will need assurances that this loss of passion won't be a recurring theme throughout his career. In short, they'll need to be convinced they can count on him.
The Blue Jackets are not going to beg him to play. That's rather unbecoming of a pro sports franchise, especially one with lots of prospects coming up the pipeline. Still, I'm led to believe that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will reach out to Legein after a sufficient amount of time passes.
But that's an issue for another day. I asked Woods if he thinks Stefan Legein will be a hockey player again some day.
"Absolutely, yes," Woods said. "I think we're dealing with a case of burnout here. You can't be filled with that much passion for the sport of hockey and decide, right like that, that you're done with it.
"I think he's going to play again. In fact, I think when the frost hits the ground, he's going to get the itch."
-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com

[Canuck311]

Its all a bunch of bull****...

Stef is just tired... I have been there .. my dad was a JR A scout.... I felt the burnout..... but i never recovered from it.

Stef can recover from it and will...

[dv8]

Rayzor isn't a teenager either. in my mind that's where the difference lies

Ok, so its ok to spread rumours(true or not doesnt even matter at this point) about someone older but not about someone younger ????


I just wanna know, so I can start spreading rumours about Eric Lindros, but not Steve Stamkos.

[Schtick]

Ok, so its ok to spread rumours(true or not doesnt even matter at this point) about someone older but not about someone younger ????


I just wanna know, so I can start spreading rumours about Eric Lindros, but not Steve Stamkos.

Booya! :iagree:

I didn't take peoples posts as rumors, I took them all as speculation, Legein fans dumbfounded & looking for answers WHY ...some might say it's noone's business, but once it is released to the media, it is everyones business.

[skatee]

ok kids
not retiring.. taking a break...
more importantly read this.. many people scoffed at the thought what we write on here could be taken seriously and to heart by these kids.. (yes they are still kids...) but read this about stefan and how he is upset about some of the BS written over the past two days... This thread has been great.. but all the junk before.. I am sure this all adds up for a kid with as much passion and heart as he has.
---------
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/08/the_meeting.shtml
The Meeting
Stefan Legein and Doug Woods met this morning in Oakville, Ontario, to discuss Legein's hockey future. For the short term, nothing has changed.
"He won't be attending (Blue Jackets) training camp," Woods told The Dispatch this afternoon. "He taking time to think things over.
"In my opinion, Stefan just wants to take a break. He's tired from all the things he's gone through the last two seasons, all the tournaments, the games, the shoulder injury ... all that stuff. He feels like he needs some time and space."
Woods was adamant that Legein is not suffering from anything other than loss of passion and energy. There are no health issues, he said. There is no family or personal crises. No addictions to anything, either.
"Stefan's pretty upset, actually, at some of the stuff that's been thrown around out there on these many blogs," Woods said. "These are people who don't know what's going on, and they're saying some very inaccurate and hurtful things. It's not right.
"I'm talking about the unsolicited comments on the blogs, not the (newspaper) articles that have been written. This is a 19 year old kid, all right? He has some maturing to do, but he does not deserve this."
It's hard for most people to fathom giving up a shot at a career in pro sports. It's even harder for those who have watched Legein to play to understand how a player so passionate, so full of energy could decide to hit the brakes. This kid is a very good player, an almost sure-fire NHLer by 2009-10 or 2010-11.
Legein will no doubt have some explaining to do if he changes his mind. The Blue Jackets will need assurances that this loss of passion won't be a recurring theme throughout his career. In short, they'll need to be convinced they can count on him.
The Blue Jackets are not going to beg him to play. That's rather unbecoming of a pro sports franchise, especially one with lots of prospects coming up the pipeline. Still, I'm led to believe that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will reach out to Legein after a sufficient amount of time passes.
But that's an issue for another day. I asked Woods if he thinks Stefan Legein will be a hockey player again some day.
"Absolutely, yes," Woods said. "I think we're dealing with a case of burnout here. You can't be filled with that much passion for the sport of hockey and decide, right like that, that you're done with it.
"I think he's going to play again. In fact, I think when the frost hits the ground, he's going to get the itch."
-- Aaron Portzline
aportzline@dispatch.com


sorry to go on about this.. but I think when we dog the players n such.. if its constructive sure.. but to flat out insult and question things or make accusations on things is brutal and disheartening. I know there are young draftees or rookies or what not who have seen the site and I am sure read things. It cant be constructive to read for them... certainly not good for self esteem
yes, some are adults and I fully expect some of you to disagree and argue.. but many still are kids.. just hoping to live the dream.

[skatee]

EVEN BETTER and more hitting my point. READ THIS from TSN.ca
---
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=246953&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
he Columbus Blue Jackets got some shocking news on Tuesday when they learned that prospect Stefan Legein (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6211) has decided to quit playing hockey. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets were informed of Legein's decision by his agent Doug Woods, telling them he won't be at training camp and has decided to hang up his skates at the age of 19.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the report to the Dispatch but when contacted by the newspaper, Legein's mother said she hadn't heard the news while his father denied the report.
"Until September 20th (when training camp opens), he hasn't quit anything," Legein's father said.
In response to the speculation about his future, Legein offered the following statement:
"I'd like for everyone to stop bashing my father, my family, and me personally," said Legein. "My family has been amazing. They have supported me and never forced me to do anything and to say its their fault is ridiculous."
"Take the time to talk to me before you accuse me of being addicted to anything, even if it's coffee," Legein continued. "I realize you're going to speculate but please don't bash my character and especially my family."
Legein is a second round pick, 37th overall, of the Blue Jackets in the 2007 Entry Draft.
He registered 24 goals and 13 assists for 37 points with 80 penalty minutes and was a plus- 12 in 30 games with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League this season. He ranked fourth on the club in goals and tied for sixth in points, while his eight power play goals ranked third and four shorthanded goals were tied for second.
Legein made his international debut with Canada at the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series, scoring three goals in helping Canada wrap of the series with the championship. He also helped Canada win its fourth-straight gold medal at the Under-20 tournament in January.

[AlphaDog]

EVEN BETTER and more hitting my point. READ THIS from TSN.ca
---
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=246953&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
he Columbus Blue Jackets got some shocking news on Tuesday when they learned that prospect Stefan Legein (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6211) has decided to quit playing hockey. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets were informed of Legein's decision by his agent Doug Woods, telling them he won't be at training camp and has decided to hang up his skates at the age of 19.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the report to the Dispatch but when contacted by the newspaper, Legein's mother said she hadn't heard the news while his father denied the report.
"Until September 20th (when training camp opens), he hasn't quit anything," Legein's father said.
In response to the speculation about his future, Legein offered the following statement:
"I'd like for everyone to stop bashing my father, my family, and me personally," said Legein. "My family has been amazing. They have supported me and never forced me to do anything and to say its their fault is ridiculous."
"Take the time to talk to me before you accuse me of being addicted to anything, even if it's coffee," Legein continued. "I realize you're going to speculate but please don't bash my character and especially my family."
Legein is a second round pick, 37th overall, of the Blue Jackets in the 2007 Entry Draft.
He registered 24 goals and 13 assists for 37 points with 80 penalty minutes and was a plus- 12 in 30 games with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League this season. He ranked fourth on the club in goals and tied for sixth in points, while his eight power play goals ranked third and four shorthanded goals were tied for second.
Legein made his international debut with Canada at the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series, scoring three goals in helping Canada wrap of the series with the championship. He also helped Canada win its fourth-straight gold medal at the Under-20 tournament in January.

PHEW. He's talking about another site at least. As far as I can recall nobody on here has accused him of having an addiction, and nobody has said hurtful things about his parents. I wonder what's going on over at the NOOF site? (I don't visit that one - no time - but I no some people here are members of both).

Anyway, I fully agree that people who don't know him personally shouldn't talk about him. HOWEVER, I also KNOW that whenever you're in the public eye, the public's going talk. And not all the public are nice people. Simple yet crappy facts of life.

But like I said in a post when this first all started - we should NOT be making unfounded comments on his personal life.

MODERATION REQUEST: (to all moderators) There's been some off-topic and generally just bad posts made in this thread. As I said awhile back, I'm letting the mods take care of stuff like that this year. I barely have enough time to run the rest of the place. We need stricter enforcement of our code of conduct.

[AlphaDog]

UPDATE: Yah, he can't be talking about this forum. (for one, we're nothing even CLOSE to a 'blog'). Although he COULD be referring to the NOOF. There's some pretty nasty stuff being said there:

http://www.rinkratmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26779&sid=da0b417beb8bae133ab55b948d4d39cc

Anyway, this is an off-ice personal-decision part of Stefan's life. If you HAVE to comment about it please keep comments supportive of him. I don't believe personal life stuff should be talked about, but I will admit THIS IS a hockey-related issue of his life (err, 100% so).

But always remember that YOUR comments show everyone ELSE who reads them, what type of person you are. And right now there's usually 400-500 people a day reading them. LOTS more during season.

Anyway, that's my piece said on that. I hope the moderators will do their part in keeping the integrity of our great community here by dealing with any unsavory comments that are occuring on other sites. AND THIS YEAR PEOPLE, PLEEEAASE USE THE REPUTATION FEATURE OF THIS FORUM! IF YOU SEE A POST ON HERE THAT IS JUST DOWNRIGHT RUDE, GIVE THEM BAD REP FOR IT! It will reflect publicly on how the general population feels about them (over time). cHEERS.

GO DOGS GO!

[skatee]

But always remember that YOUR comments show everyone ELSE who reads them, what type of person you are. And right now there's usually 400-500 people a day reading them. LOTS more during season.



full credit, because i love this site.
but that comment keeps popping up and I keep thinking to myself.. what does that mean to people and how will it stop them?
I know who a number of people on here are, but there are very many, I am sure, who will post and hide behind their alias... they dont care waht people think of them, because all they are is an online persona.
as mentioned, love the site, love the discussion (minus a few things/topics/posts), but the argument that the person "looks bad" is insane.

[Romes]

Honestly this Legein thing is a complete waste of time. You FANS should be talking about the upcoming season not an ex-player who has paid his dues to the organization already. I know it's big news blah blah blah, but it's over now. He's done, he's not saying exactly why (nor should he), and speculating on why he has quit the game is pointless.


There are a number of reasons why Legein has decided to do what he's done, fine, that's his choice to make. Remember, we as FANS are not losing anything by this, Legein is the one who will ultimately pay one way or another. He knows that, don't think that hasn't gone through his head, plus his agent and GM have probably let him know.

I like hockey, I like junior hockey, I read a lot about hockey, and this isn't a hockey story. This is a life story, one that should be given it's space and support, not speculation and gossip.

As for his dad's comments, well how is any parent supposed to address questions about situations like this? Honestly, there was no possible answer his father would have made that would have satisfied anyone, anything he says will be dissected. He tried to do the right thing by standing by his son though not really saying much other than 'wait and see', yet in some circles he's being villified. Enough, that family is going though too much public scrutiny.

Good luck to Legein, he's going to come through this and one day give everyone an explanation that is probably not going to be as interesting as everyone wants it to be.

[Kevy]

The only time I was a fan of his was when he has the Canadian sweater on. One of those guys that you hate to play against, but would love to have on your team. Whatever path he chooses, I'm sure he's gonna succeed.

Best of luck Stefan!

[AlphaDog]

full credit, because i love this site.
but that comment keeps popping up and I keep thinking to myself.. what does that mean to people and how will it stop them?
I know who a number of people on here are, but there are very many, I am sure, who will post and hide behind their alias... they dont care waht people think of them, because all they are is an online persona.
as mentioned, love the site, love the discussion (minus a few things/topics/posts), but the argument that the person "looks bad" is insane.

WHat I meant by that, is intead of green squares they have red squares, so everyone should make mental note: guy/gal's an idiot.

And once they hit a certain level of bad rep points, it automatically bans their account. Kind of the forum's way of taking care of itself, or should I say - allows all users to "kind of" do some of their own forum moderation.

[AlphaDog]

Honestly this Legein thing is a complete waste of time. You FANS should be talking about the upcoming season not an ex-player who has paid his dues to the organization already. I know it's big news blah blah blah, but it's over now. He's done, he's not saying exactly why (nor should he), and speculating on why he has quit the game is pointless.


There are a number of reasons why Legein has decided to do what he's done, fine, that's his choice to make. Remember, we as FANS are not losing anything by this, Legein is the one who will ultimately pay one way or another. He knows that, don't think that hasn't gone through his head, plus his agent and GM have probably let him know.

I like hockey, I like junior hockey, I read a lot about hockey, and this isn't a hockey story. This is a life story, one that should be given it's space and support, not speculation and gossip.

As for his dad's comments, well how is any parent supposed to address questions about situations like this? Honestly, there was no possible answer his father would have made that would have satisfied anyone, anything he says will be dissected. He tried to do the right thing by standing by his son though not really saying much other than 'wait and see', yet in some circles he's being villified. Enough, that family is going though too much public scrutiny.

Good luck to Legein, he's going to come through this and one day give everyone an explanation that is probably not going to be as interesting as everyone wants it to be.

:iagree: :hurray:

This is NOT a fun discussion for me, so I'm not continuing it. I'd much rather being talking about how badly we're going to smoke Oshawa's BUTT in the pre-season then again in game #2 of the reg. season. (please don't reply to this in this thread -offtopic eh)

But I agree - I'm a huge Legein fan. Have been since I saw him BEFORE he even played for us. I wish him the best, I'll leave it at that. If people post otherwise, well, that reflects on them. If it's tasteless, the moderators will deal with it. Cheers!

[Standing Room Only]

If (http://If) you HAVE to comment about it please keep comments supportive of him. I don't believe personal life stuff should be talked about, but I will admit THIS IS a hockey-related issue of his life (err, 100% so).




Alpha dog,Not every one that is on this site is or was a Legien fan. If people want to post their personal thoughts on this then they should be allowed. Some people will be supportive of him some will not. Until we find out the reason why Stefan quit hockey then we should all be allowed to post your own thoughts on this matter. Maybe you should go to some Columbus or Syracuse fan fourms to get a more open mind to the situation.

[AlphaDog]

I don't care about Columbus/Syracuse forums. THis is an ICEDOG forum and will be run as such. I don't care if people post something if it's FACT BASED and they state where the got their information. But negative speculation will not be allowed.

Anyway, this thread is about to be LOCKED. It's supposed to be discussing Legein and is turning into a "discussion of how Alphadog should run his own forum". Not going to happen this year. ICEDOG TALK *ONLY*. Or alumni ICEDOG talk. NO TALK of how things are run. anyone finds that unacceptable they are free to read the code of conduct in post #1 on what to do in that situation.

[Phil Margonis]

Ok, so its ok to spread rumours(true or not doesnt even matter at this point) about someone older but not about someone younger ????

yeah chirp emery all u want he's a big boy. chirp all those NHlers as well who cares

[billedog]

I don't care about Columbus/Syracuse forums. THis is an ICEDOG forum and will be run as such. I don't care if people post something if it's FACT BASED and they state where the got their information. But negative speculation will not be allowed.

Anyway, this thread is about to be LOCKED. It's supposed to be discussing Legein and is turning into a "discussion of how Alphadog should run his own forum". Not going to happen this year. ICEDOG TALK *ONLY*. Or alumni ICEDOG talk. NO TALK of how things are run. anyone finds that unacceptable they are free to read the code of conduct in post #1 on what to do in that situation.


Thank you Alpha...to bad it took Stef to do this before people realised what unfounded accusations can result in. I applaud the negative speculation FINALLY not being allowed. I'm sure his family and billet thank you too.:hurray:

[AlphaDog]

Thank you Alpha...to bad it took Stef to do this before people realised what unfounded accusations can result in. I applaud the negative speculation FINALLY not being allowed. I'm sure his family and billet thank you too.:hurray:

And thank YOU. Positive speculation is completely fine. Negative speculation only hurts the forum, and makes it an unenjoyable experience for people that want to talk facts.

I'm just SOOO happy to hear that Stef is saying he's not completely sure about what he'll do. 'Means the door isn't closed yet.

I mean, one shoulder injury on the style of hockey HE plays? That's actually not bad at all! His spirit and agressiveness would be wanted by any NHL team.

I could see him being another Tucker or Peca in the NHL. Sure a lot of people don't like those guys - but the fans of the teams they're on sure do. Tucker was a fan fave in toronto, Peca was a fan fave in Buffalo (and toronto for his short time there). There's no doubt that Lege would be a fan fave in the Columbus organization.

Remember the reaction he got by OUR fans his first game? He wasn't here for the whole pre-season but everyone was watching him at Team Canada, and the crowd went NUTS for him when he came on the ice. Then after his injury when he came back, same reaction. I think that kind of reaction would go with him wherever he plays.

[I.L.L.]

Tucker----ewwww! (sorry, off topic AD but couldn't resist!):001_tongue:

[Swifty14]

"I know who a number of people on here are, but there are very many, I am sure, who will post and hide behind their alias... they dont care waht people think of them, because all they are is an online persona." " Skatee comment"


I find this comment to be an absolute farce. I myself am disappointed to hear all this garbage about the yao coming into play with Legein and this should have never happened here! Never!! Calling all mods? Mods are really quick to "lock" or shut other threads but you let this chirp @$% get posted, common. I had opened a bag of worms last time here, not my intention, and it wasn't to start an I hate Legein campaign either, I was simply repeating what had been told to me by a very good source. After all the cut n paste specials by others, I don't think I was out of line or off in my story in anyway? Its not as if I don't like the kid either so don't set me as a hatter, I was simply stating what I thought to be fact. As far as Leg goes I am sure he is burnt out and there is a lot of time before the 20th so we will se what happens. It dosn't matter what we think,it is whatever is best for "him" at this time and I have confidence in his decision making capabilities as a young man.

"It is a blog but the reporter seems to be legit and since it is commentary from someone on the team I'll allow it" "IGT"

Thank the lord, or wait are you him?lol. Common you say you'll "let this go" but let people chirp their grill off about Leg jaming &%&* up his beak. Get your priorities straight would you please!!!!!:offrant:

[ItsGameTime]

"I know who a number of people on here are, but there are very many, I am sure, who will post and hide behind their alias... they dont care waht people think of them, because all they are is an online persona." " Skatee comment"


I find this comment to be an absolute farce. I myself am disappointed to hear all this garbage about the yao coming into play with Legein and this should have never happened here! Never!! Calling all mods? Mods are really quick to "lock" or shut other threads but you let this chirp @$% get posted, common. I had opened a bag of worms last time here, not my intention, and it wasn't to start an I hate Legein campaign either, I was simply repeating what had been told to me by a very good source. After all the cut n paste specials by others, I don't think I was out of line or off in my story in anyway? Its not as if I don't like the kid either so don't set me as a hatter, I was simply stating what I thought to be fact. As far as Leg goes I am sure he is burnt out and there is a lot of time before the 20th so we will se what happens. It dosn't matter what we think,it is whatever is best for "him" at this time and I have confidence in his decision making capabilities as a young man.

"It is a blog but the reporter seems to be legit and since it is commentary from someone on the team I'll allow it" "IGT"

Thank the lord, or wait are you him?lol. Common you say you'll "let this go" but let people chirp their grill off about Leg jaming &%&* up his beak. Get your priorities straight would you please!!!!!:offrant:


First off, I did not see that comment by skatee. For the record I had never said anything about your whole Legein/Syracuse stuff. I trust that your "source" was legit, although next time stating your source specifically might go a long way in prevent people from commenting on it further. Or better yet, just keep the information to yourself and don't post it on here when you know who is going to read it and probably disagree with you. That thread is not this thread though, we are talking about something totally different.

Secondly, what are you trying to prove with my comment? I was merely saying that because it was a "blog" (meaning anyone can have a blog on the internet) I was exercising caution with posting it. Also, because the commentary came from someone in the locker room day in and day out, it was allowed. This was as opposed to someone, who has no idea, coming out and saying "I think Lege quit because he's a cry baby". How are you going to call me out on something like that? I don't feel my priorties are out of whack.

If you wish to continue this discussion you are more than welcome to PM me.

Any comments not related to the topic posted from now on will be deleted.

If you have a problem, use PM's casual viewers of this forum do not need to see this type of dialog between members.

Thank you.

[AlphaDog]

Swifty14:

I NEVER blamed you for starting this thread. It was a valid topic. I wasn't pissed at you either - just at other posts by other people who turned this VALID-talk-of-Stef thread into a What-Should-Be-Allowed-To-Be-Discussed thread.

If people post valid media articles and talk about it, I have no problem with that. When I was "calling all mods" as you put it - I was asking them to make sure that this valid topic that you started wouldn't deteriorate into something else (which it did, as it turned into people whining about not being able to post possibly-false negative comments about Stef, and I don't want that crap on here)

Anyway, back to Legein talk...

(hehe, actually General Jeremy started this thread :) )

[Domn8r]

i'm sure we all must realize he is just a kid. 19 yrs old (almost 20) with a huge amount of pressure and stress on your shoulders. I couldnt imagine that pressure at that age. At 19, i was more concerned with going out with buddies, having a few brews and chasing some girls. Such an easy life compared to these kids drafted by the NHL and expected by everyone to develop into a future superstar.

I'm behind him for standing up and saying i need a break. He does. He had a busy year and now the pressure on him has doubled to make the NHL.

I truly hope this is a phase he is going through. My son and i love this kid and his hockey skills. I hope he settles his head and makes a return.

I'm a little disappointed to hear and read crap/rumours about him and the real reason he quit. He needs time away from the game and the stress associated with it.
Simple as that.

[brendan_435]

"I know who a number of people on here are, but there are very many, I am sure, who will post and hide behind their alias... they dont care waht people think of them, because all they are is an online persona." " Skatee comment"


I find this comment to be an absolute farce. I myself am disappointed to hear all this garbage about the yao coming into play with Legein and this should have never happened here! Never!! Calling all mods? Mods are really quick to "lock" or shut other threads but you let this chirp @$% get posted, common. I had opened a bag of worms last time here, not my intention, and it wasn't to start an I hate Legein campaign either, I was simply repeating what had been told to me by a very good source. After all the cut n paste specials by others, I don't think I was out of line or off in my story in anyway? Its not as if I don't like the kid either so don't set me as a hatter, I was simply stating what I thought to be fact. As far as Leg goes I am sure he is burnt out and there is a lot of time before the 20th so we will se what happens. It dosn't matter what we think,it is whatever is best for "him" at this time and I have confidence in his decision making capabilities as a young man.

"It is a blog but the reporter seems to be legit and since it is commentary from someone on the team I'll allow it" "IGT"

Thank the lord, or wait are you him?lol. Common you say you'll "let this go" but let people chirp their grill off about Leg jaming &%&* up his beak. Get your priorities straight would you please!!!!!:offrant:

I agree with swifty14 on this one. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and if you think you have something constructive to say, even if it isn't a hard proven fact, I think you should be able to post it. So long as it's not a something that is absolute unproven bull, like Stef being into the powder. If you heard something from a friend of a friend, and think it has some validity, in my opinion state it. JUST PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU POST CLEARLY THAT IS *NOT* A FACT, BUT MERELY SOMETHING YOU HEARD. If you heard from someone that for example, Stef needs time with family, post it, just ensure to state that it ISN'T fact. I enjoy reading things like that, so long as people don't claim them as truth. (By the way, I made up the thing about Stef needing time with family, it was merely and example, no truth to it whatsoever) Things of that nature give us something to chew on.
However, that's just my two cents.
Back to the topic at hand, I wish Stef the best in whatever he chooses to pursue, be it pro hockey, or something different. It's his life, and he should be able to do with it what he wants, without getting flak from everyone about his life choices.
I wish you well Stef.

[RioBravo]

The thing some people fail to realize is that rumors spread pretty easily. Take for example someone saying.

"I heard the reason Legein quit was because he didn't get along too well with the Blue Jackets GM. I heard this from another site on the internet so don't take it TOO seriously."

Sure that seems fine but at the same time you need to think that TONS of people read these forums. More then most people realize and a post like that could start some random viewer to mention it to someone else and that is how rumors start. Stupid little things like that. Thats just another reason we try to enforce that rule. As stated before this is a rule and if it is disagreed with there is no one here forcing you to be a member of the site.

Back to Legein though I honestly believe he will come back. He seemed to just have a ton of fun playing the game. Hopefully when training camp gets under way he will start to miss it again.

[I.L.L.]

I heard from a friend of a friend of a friend's cousin's coworker's friend's neighbour's daughter's roommate's brother's barber that Stef just wants to join the circus....:P


bahaaahahhahhahhahahaha KIDDING KIDDING KIDDING:D.....lighten up people and let Stefan be! He'll ultimately do what's right for him and we have to respect his decision and privacy...All the best to him

[IceDogs5]

Not to dwell on a subject that's been thoroughly discussed - but this article actually has a positive undertone. From NHL.com...

Jackets' prospect Legein mulling return to ice
NHL.com Staff
Sep 13, 2008, 4:55 PM EDT

http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/08/legein_game1.jpgThough Stefan Legein (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8474187) will not make an appearance at the NHL Prospects Tournament, his retirement at the age of 19 sparked lots of discussion amongst attendees.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- While Stefan Legein (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8474187) will not be a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets (http://bluejackets.nhl.com/) roster during the NHL Prospects Tournament here at the Centre I.C.E. Arena, the 19-year-old winger was certainly a topic of discussion.
Legein, who last month stunned the hockey world when he announced he would hang up the blades after suffering from burnout, may now be contemplating a return to the ice. According to Legein’s agent, Doug Woods, whose client was a member of last year’s Canadian World Junior championship team and a second-round draft pick of the Blue Jackets in 2007, he has had conversations with Legein regarding the subject.
“I think after assessing the situation, I’ve learned that he had a lot of pressure on him the last year,” Woods told NHL.com. “He’s now seriously thinking about it and working some things out right now, and I feel confident that there’s a good possibility he will be back. We’re talking very regularly and certainly he’s willing to discuss it now. Once I return to Toronto, we’ll be talking more about it.”
Legein scored 37 points for Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League in April and was then assigned to Syracuse, where he played two AHL playoff games, before being given permission to go home rather than participate in the team's minor-league playoff run.
--Mike G. Morreale

[AlphaDog]

He'll be back. Hockey's in his blood.

Hey, he's signed with Columbus, he played a couple games for their farm team in the playoffs - does that make him completely ineligble to return to the O ? (sorry, just dreaming he'd maybe play a half season with the Dogs :) 'come back after xmas or something) heh. We didnt' get to see enough of him last year.

[Snoil11]

Not to dwell on a subject that's been thoroughly discussed - but this article actually has a positive undertone. From NHL.com...


Don't want to take anything away from Legein, but that does not mean a thing, as the articles on NHL.com are always euphoric. Every article praises the prospects as upcoming superstars and they are rather PR than serious journalism.

[IceDogs5]

Don't want to take anything away from Legein, but that does not mean a thing, as the articles on NHL.com are always euphoric. Every article praises the prospects as upcoming superstars and they are rather PR than serious journalism.

I get what you're saying - it's just a nice change to read something on the situation that isn't dripping with negative speculation.

[fishfan51]

He'll be back. Hockey's in his blood.

Hey, he's signed with Columbus, he played a couple games for their farm team in the playoffs - does that make him completely ineligble to return to the O ? (sorry, just dreaming he'd maybe play a half season with the Dogs :) 'come back after xmas or something) heh. We didnt' get to see enough of him last year.


He could play in the OHL this year. This would be his OA year, he hasn't played enough games in the AHL to effect his OHL status

[dogpound]

maybe he just needs a rest hockey is physically demanding

[rowdi29]

who cares...lol:cursing:

[AlphaDog]

He could play in the OHL this year. This would be his OA year, he hasn't played enough games in the AHL to effect his OHL status

Nice! Although I must admit, it wouldn't really be fair to the players that sweat their way through camp to get a spot on the roster. :( But I've love to see Lege back on the Dogs.

[AlphaDog]

who cares...lol:cursing:

:iagree: It's almost time to put a lock on this thread until something new and OFFICIAL is released. Too much negative heresay going around.

[I.L.L.]

:iagree: It's almost time to put a lock on this thread until something new and OFFICIAL is released. Too much negative heresay going around.


That would be FANTASTIC AD!!!

[IceDogs5]

Oh geez - definitely regretting posting that last article...sorry if got everyone all agitated - not my intention at all.

[AlphaDog]

Oh geez - definitely regretting posting that last article...sorry if got everyone all agitated - not my intention at all.

No problem. I'm going to lock this for the time being anyway, only because there's so much in the way of negative rumors going around simply because there's been a lack of official press on this subject. Even the 'official press' is unofficial as they're just sports writers that are used to thriving in the Toronto market which is powered by rumors.

So anyway, I think this subject can lay dormant until we get some official news from the man involved. (hopefully of which will be him saying that he's decided to come back and polish his game at the OHL level, playing for the Niagara IceDogs :thumbup: )

[Canuck311]

His agent has been in Traverse City for the last day and a half, talking to Columbus staff. Apprently there will be more news this afternoon. I read this on the Columbus dispatch website...

They also stated that Stefan has been working at a St. Catharines Ontario pizzeria for the last little while.

I'd post the link but i am at work and am running late for a workshop that I have to attend.

just google 'columbus dispatch' then ... look up more sports... and click on blue jackets.