Downie set to return, with Phantoms
JOHN COSTELLO / Inquirer Staff
Steve Downie's AHL ban was shorter than his NHL penalty of 20 games. He can't return to the Flyers until Nov. 23.
Flyers prospect Steve Downie will return to work tomorrow, but he will do so under far less scrutiny skating in the AHL.
The NHL suspended Downie for 20 games on Sept. 28 after his violent hit on Ottawa forward Dean McAmmond in a preseason game three days earlier. He is not eligible to return to NHL action until Nov. 23.
But the Flyers' 2005 first-round selection can play tomorrow when the 8-1-0-0 Phantoms play the Sharks in Worcester, Mass. His AHL suspension was for one month.
Phantoms coach Craig Berube welcomes the 20-year-old right winger to his lineup.
"He's a good player," Berube said. "I'm happy for him. He's excited to get back, being out for that long. He was having a good camp, and I expect him to pick up where he left off."
Downie has played one regular-season pro game, last season with the Phantoms. His recent troubles followed a junior career in the Ontario Hockey League in which he ran afoul of OHL commissioner Dave Branch for multiple incidents.
But publicly, at least, the Flyers are putting Downie's past squarely in the past.
With the AHL suspension set to expire, Downie can turn his focus to tomorrow. He has spent his suspension practicing with the Phantoms, and getting into game shape will be one task for him, according to Paul Holmgren.
The Flyers general manager likes Downie's hockey sense and his strength on his skates and with the puck. Downie's skating needs to continue to improve, Holmgren said, which is why the prospect spent the summer working with a skating coach.
The AHL's issuing a shorter suspension was a relief for Holmgren.
"It's certainly better for Steve [to be playing]," he said. "The best way to improve as a player is to play games."
And Downie?
"I'm just looking to get back into game shape," he said.
Notes. The Phantoms play the Portland Pirates in Maine tonight, and Cherry Hill native Bobby Ryan, the second overall pick in 2005, has two goals and five assists in eight games for the Pirates. . . . Last weekend's two victories over Norfolk and one win over Springfield completed the most successful October in Phantoms history. It marked the first time the team posted eight wins in October. The Phantoms did not win their eighth game until Nov. 24 last season.
