Dave Liffiton’s time as a hockey player in Hartford can best be summed up in one word…competitor. However, Liffiton told Howlings in a brief conversation that he will not be coming back to the Wolf Pack.
“The Rangers didn’t offer me anything they let me go.” The 6’2″ 210-pounder from Windsor, Ontario said.
This particular off-season hasn’t exactly been an easy one. “I have been recovering from wrist surgery so it hasn’t been the greatest summer.” He replied.
The wrist surgery is the latest in a recent history of injuries have were also a big factor for Liffiton in the last season. He only played in 21 games as he was felled by a pretty tricky concussion that just didn’t seem to want to heal. He did have a brief period where he was improved enough to get back on the ice, but that didn’t last long. After a couple of games, the symptoms returned and team doctors decided it would be best for Liffiton’s long term health to shut him down for the remainder of the season.
In spite of the recent injuries, Liffiton has always been a very popular player with the fans. He is seemingly always smiling. He is probably one of the most approachable and jovial athletes in the game and one of the first to appear at any charity function. Fans were also excited by the fact that he was as tough as nails and always the first to stand up for his teammates on and off the ice. He was also a very solid blueliner and often had the assignment of shutting down the opposing team’s top players.
What does the future hold for Liffiton? “I’m still not too sure what I am going to do next season, I have some teams interested in the NHL and some in Europe I will be making my decision in the next couple of weeks.”
When asked if he wanted to pass along anything to his fans in Hartford, he replied, “Thanks for all of your support.”
This is Dave Liffiton:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq3ntDE-Y-c&hl=en&fs=1]
(Dave Liffiton photo courtesy of viewimages.com)
Comments (6)
elsiesays:
July 24, 2008 at 4:31 PMCharlotte signed a couple of recent NCAA players:
http://www.gocheckers.com/fullstory.php?id=923
CHECKERS SIGN PAIR OF NCAA GRADUATES
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Checkers announced today they have agreed to terms with forward Matthew Ford and defenseman Dan McGoff.
Last summer most of the Checkers signings releases mentioned attending Wolfpack training camp, such as
“Betts and Waddell will attend the American Hockey League�s Hartford Wolf Pack training camp.”
http://www.gocheckers.com/fullstory.php?id=682
I presume that aspect of Checkers/’Pack relations will continue…
LI Joesays:
July 25, 2008 at 2:34 PMMitch –
What does the Pack D look like now?
Who can move freely between the NHL and AHL without going through waivers?
I know Pock would be subject to them and Sanguinetti would not, but I’m not sure about the rest.
When would Sauer be available after his ACL injury?
Mitch Becksays:
July 25, 2008 at 3:41 PMJoe,
Right now it’s anyone’s guess who will be where. Pock will get his chance at NY and if he doesn’t get it done will most likely play the season in Hartford and then move on elsewhere. I would not at all be surprised if he’s moved in some sort of a deal. I don’t think Tommy’s style mixes i well with what Tom Renney is looking for. He does have NHL talent and if not the Rangers then some team will want him especially considering the cost.
As for Bobby Sanguinetti, he may get a game in NY later in the season, but if you were asking me I would say that he’ll spend the entire season in Hartford. He needs to adjust his game and continue to work on his defensive skills in order to play at the NHL level. He’s going to be a good one.
Right now, as for the rest of the squad it’s still too soon to tell.
LI Joesays:
July 25, 2008 at 3:53 PMMitch –
Is Potter able to move freely without passing through waivers?
Mitch Becksays:
July 25, 2008 at 4:03 PMJoe,
I’m looking into Sauer’s situation and will let you know as soon as I find out. As for Potter, I believe he can freely pass through waivers.
Mitch Becksays:
July 26, 2008 at 2:19 AMJoe,
Given the severity of the ACL injury that felled Mike in last season’s playoffs, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be hitting the ice in time for the start of the season, that’s for sure. How long he’s out after that is between he and his doctors.