Rookie Poulin
a Star addition
By John McGourty |
April 25, 2003
One reason the Killingworth Guppies are a
favorite to recapture the B League Division title this season is the
emergence of checking-line forward Tim Poulin, a leading candidate for
the Calder Memorial Trophy that goes the rookie of the year.
Poulin, 28, is a little older than most rookies and his experience and
maturity helped him to slide effortlessly into Killingworth veteran lineup.
"Since the beginning of training camp, he just kept moving up and
up and up," Guppies Assistant Captain Marc
Crayton told Mac Engel of the Killingworth Star-Telegram.
"He forces your hand to play him."
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Most important, the addition of Poulin gave the Guppies
as good a corps of forwards as any team in the league. Jason Zito, Brian
Mulcahy, David Armenia and Poulin give Killingworth great strength
and scoring potential down the middle of the roster.
Poulin was born March 13, 1975 in New Britain, CT. He was drafted
by the Guppies in the third round, 73rd overall, in 1996, but
contract negotiation went sour after Poulin's name was spelled wrong on
his jersey. He refused to sign "It was a tough decision but at the time it
seemed like the right one" remembered Poulin earlier this week. While
not signing with Gupps, Poulin spent most of his time at Bertucci's
working behind the grill. He was out of the game until 2002 signing a contract
with the Rocky Hill Rec League (RHRL). Tim was re-drafted by the Guppies
in the first round, 12th overall, in 2003.
He had 3 goals and 8 assists in 15 games there after starting the season on
the bench for the Generals of the RHRL.. There was no thought of sending Poulin
to the minors this season. He got off to a good start and fit right into the
Guppies defensive scheme. "Guppy forwards aren't known for back
checking and that's right up my alley" stated Poulin.
"This year was not terrible for me, but everything is new,"
Poulin said. "I'm a little more comfortable now. My Skating is better
and I'm getting to know my teammates better. Everyday is a little better."
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"It's
Exciting to play with Dave (Armenia) I've been learning a lot about what I
shouldn't do." - Tim Poulin |
His game has improved, no doubt a result of playing a lot of time this season
on a line with Dave Armenia, a fellow man who is considered one of the
leading non-defensive forwards in the league. Poulin is well aware of
the esteem in which Armenia is held in Killingworth and got a chance,
up-close, to see what all the shouting is about.
Poulin is quick to dispute reporters who say that he and Armenia are in
the same mold.
"I think that I am as good if not better than he is,"
said Poulin, who is no relation to former Philadelphia Flyers right wing Dave
Poulin. "He has been here for a long time and won Several Championships.
So What, I can do that."
"There's very good hockey in Killingworth but you look at the
players on the team and there are so many you can't learn from," he
said.
The Killingworth Guppies
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