59 replies to this topic

[Aeryn]

O'Brien is Ducks' linebacker on skates

Hockey players aren't supposed to be built like Shane O'Brien, linebackers are.

He's big, he's quick, and he seemingly came onto the scene out of nowhere, forcing the pundits who didn't know him to take notice. Now this eighth-round pick (250th overall) in the 2003 draft has beaten the odds and is getting a chance to live his dream with the Anaheim Ducks.

.....

Considering nobody has really heard of him yet, being such a low draft choice, O'Brien could be the poster boy for late-round successes in the NHL, a tag he doesn't mind.

"That's a pretty good compliment," O'Brien said. "I was lucky to come to an organization that gave me a chance here in Anaheim. It took me over 200 AHL games and I've got a long way to. I am still learning the game."

Just being drafted gave O'Brien the motivation and opportunity he needed from an organization that believed in his potential. He knew he had a long way to climb.

FOX Sports article

[DuckGuy]

Yeah when I saw him play against the Coyotes in preseason I was totally impressed. He has the ability to skate the puck from behind the goal through the opponents blueline. He protects the puck extremely well with high speed. Thats not something you see with big d-men often. I think he'll have a long career as a duck. probably be a solid #3 and a consistent PP guy in a year or two.

Just a thought I wouldnt be surprised to see burke extend him with a 3-4 year deal if he keeps showing his potential. They could potentially have a steal if he signed for like 6-700k a year.

[DropThePuck]

Here we go ... some love for O'B ... Jennifer will be happy!

"I had to fight to stay on the team," O'Brien remembered Sunday night, after a 3-2 Ducks victory over Minnesota. "I was a boy fighting men, basically. It seemed like it was happening every night. I took some lumps, no doubt about it, but I learned a lot, too.

"And, yeah, I got a reputation pretty quick. The crowds got on me. Milwaukee was brutal. They had signs: 'I thought an Irishman could fight.' They were all over me."
...
"No matter what's happened to me," O'Brien said, "I'm on a first-place team in the NHL in my first year, and you can't ask for any more than that."
...
The Class of 2003 had a goal and three assists Sunday, so Shane O'Brien won yet another unanimous decision.

<link to OCR article posted in Media Roundup>

[Jennifer1515]

thanks DTP

[Jrgom81]

Shane-O is da man, cant wait to get his auth jersey!!!

[DropThePuck]

He's grabbed some attention in NHL.com's Pacific Division's "Who's Hot" ... and not in the way that Jennifer thinks.

Defenseman Shane O'Brien of the Ducks has four points (one goal, three assists) in his last three games. ... After a slow start, right winger Teemu Selanne has seven points in his last five games. ... Duck goaltender J.S. Giguere is 2-0-0 in his last three appearances with a 0.75 GAA and .967 save percentage.

<link to NHL.com article posted in Media Roundup>

[Moses Shatsby]

My girlfriend thinks he's cute.

Send him to Portland.

Kidding. He's been awesome, that's for sure. Good call about being more positive.

[Ducksfreak93]

I too have been very impressed by Shane. He will definetly be a standout defenseman for the years to come.

[Sojourn]

He's been good. He started the season a little bit rocky, taking some unnecessary penalties and occasionally not making the smartest plays, but over the course of the season (which has been oh so long at 25+ games) he's consistently improved. I just wish he'd hit more. I occasionally see great opportunities to throw a nice check at the opposing team, and he lets up.

[Jrgom81]

This guy is turning into one of my favorite players, i think with him being under Prongs and Nieds for a few years, he could turn into one of the great young Dmen in the league

[bryzfan1]

I watched Shane in all the home games in Cincinnati in 03-05. He has developed a lot over the years. His defensive skills have improved, and he takes fewer dumb penalties than he used to. He used to fight a lot more, but I think he is under orders from the coach not to look for fights (unless, of course, defending some other player of ours on the ice who was run at). His offensive skills have improved also. On occasion he will skate in deep - like Scotty does, but of course not as well. Since he only occasionally does that, it surprises the other team's D, and they back off. He has a good slap shot from the blue line, and is not afraid to use it. He is a friendly fun-loving guy, on and off the ice.

[SpecialEd]

He's been good. He started the season a little bit rocky, taking some unnecessary penalties and occasionally not making the smartest plays, but over the course of the season (which has been oh so long at 25+ games) he's consistently improved. I just wish he'd hit more. I occasionally see great opportunities to throw a nice check at the opposing team, and he lets up.

I completely agree with you on him not hitting but there is an easy explanation. The guy is a rookie on a great defensive team. When Joe and him get a shift it is important that they hold the fort and play mistake free hockey while the big two get some rest. Some of the hits would take him out of position and create offensive chances for the opposition. Joe would not be able to make up for these mistakes so I think it’s good he doesn’t line guys up every opportunity he gets.

[Nordy]

Obie is a great guy who has a lot of potential. He was a crowd favorite in Portland. He is very missed there but he is doing great things in the NHL. I also think that it will help to have him with some really good vet Dmen. I expect to see great things out of Obie in his career. I always enjoy watching him play... In games he doesnt seem to be looking for the fights anymore and his stupid minors do seem to be decreasing. Good job Obie

[Always Mighty]

I like his play a lot, he's a lot of fun to watch.
My mom met him in an elevator one time and didn't realize who he was.

[Maverik]

I like watching Obie a whole lot. I really like this kid, and he's doing very good at this level. Now I know why he was a fan fave in Portland.

[Chrissie]

Any thoughts on our latest rookie? Has anyone ever met him?

I have met Shane several times. OB is an incredible guy - on and off the ice. He is quite a character and very personable! He is definitely missed here in Portland but I am so happy for him being in the NHL. He did take a lot of unnecessary penalties while here in Portland but always showed a lot of enthusiasm for the game. Shane just loves hockey! (And he's not so bad at softball, either! Check these out! LOL)

He was one of my favorites while he was here. At least I still have Zenon!
Chrissie

PS - Moses - You can tell your girlfriend that Shane's girlfriend is beautiful and a very sweet girl, so unfortunately, I think Shane will keep her around for a while!

[Jennifer1515]

I was just talking to my dad about Shane and we both miss seeing him dance to "Ducks Like Rain" after wins like they did in Cincinnati

[Dark Knight]

O'Brien makes "The All-Surprise Team"

Shane O'Brien, Anaheim. On a team that has Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger on its roster, it can be hard to notice other defensemen. Yet, O'Brien has made sure he has not remained lost in the shadows. A team-high 80 penalty minutes will certainly draw some attention, but O'Brien is about more than just mayhem. His 11 points are the third-highest total among the Ducks defenders and his plus-11 is second to only Pronger among the team's defensemen.

LINK

[Aeryn]

Is it not a "mighty nice" article?

Good article....but it's really not a surprise to those of us who watched him before this year.

[ahtikullervo]

I did not believe he will have such quick and convincing sucsess... Really nice suprise!!!!!

[JimmyWah]

he's pretty solid. his has lost that edge though imo.

would like to see him hitting more.

[HurricaneDuck]

My girlfriend thinks he's cute.

Send him to Portland.

Kidding. He's been awesome, that's for sure. Good call about being more positive.

Same here.....

[DropThePuck]

"Obviously, it's harder to play against the top two lines," O'Brien said. "But I'm out there with Scotty or Prongs and they make it a little bit easier too. Just take it game by game and do the best I can when I'm out there."
...
As far as playing with Pronger, O'Brien said he is a willing disciple.

"I've watched him play in the Olympics and stuff like that," O'Brien said. "It's an honor to be out there with him. Whatever he says pretty much goes."

<link to LAT article posted in Media Roundup>