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Expect verbal assault from Hainsey

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Updated Oct 22, 2009 9:03 PM ET
     
 
You don't see Ron Hainsey play Hockey so much as you hear him. The Thrashers defenseman is vocal, on and off the ice. Quick with a joke or a good-natured jab at a teammate, he is also good for the well-timed word of advice. It's what makes him a leader. There are different kinds of leaders in sports. Some lead by talent. Some lead by example. Hainsey leads by dint of personality. "I'm more vocal — during the game, on the ice — than a lot of guys on the bench," Hainsey said. "That's just the way I've always played. ... Everybody is different." Hainsey, who came to the Thrashers as a free agent last year, was named one of the team's alternate captains this season. He brings his six years of NHL experience. He also brings his international experience as a member of Team USA, including an appearance in this year's World Championships. He could play for the U.S. in next year's Olympics in Vancouver. But most of all, he brings a willingness to speak up. "He's wearing an 'A' this year," Thrashers coach John Anderson said. "He's the kind of leader we want, to be vocal. Sometimes it's hard to be vocal and say what you feel, because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings. At the same time, sometimes things have to be said in that dressing room." The Thrashers finished last season with just 76 points (35-41-6), 13th in the Eastern Conference. Since making their only postseason appearance in the franchise's 10-year history in 2007, they have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. However, you would never know it to judge by this month. The Thrashers are one of the biggest surprises in the NHL, off to a 4-1-1 start. They return to Philips Arena tonight to face Washington, their first home game since the opener 18 days ago. The Capitals lead the Southeast Division with 10 points, just a point better than the Thrashers, who have played two fewer games. The veteran presence of Hainsey is one of several reasons for the fast start. He's always talking. Make a poor play, he'll let them know. Make a good play, he'll let them know. Oh, and when he makes a good play, they'll all know. "He's a quick-witted guy," forward Colby Armstrong said. "He can catch you pretty good. ... He doesn't give a chuckle at his own joke, he just kind of skates away. So it cuts even deeper." Hainsey's brand of leadership is all about timing. With a joke, sure. But more important is knowing when the time is right for a player to speak up. Breaking into the NHL as a 21-year-old with the Montreal Canadiens, Hainsey knew that wasn't the time or place. Now as a veteran with the Thrashers, after three seasons in Columbus, it's become a natural role for the 28-year-old. "You've got to pay your dues a little bit before you are telling jokes on the ice or in the locker room or being a little more outgoing," Hainsey said. "For a young player it can be construed as overconfidence as opposed to just being yourself. ... We have the best job in the world, so there is not a reason not to have a lot of fun with it." Hainsey became a defenseman at age 8. One of the six biggest players on his youth team in Connecticut, he was tabbed for defense on the first day. For a short time, he wanted to move back to forward. He even had aspirations to be a goalie. "I wanted to do it all at that age," Hainsey said. "But it's weird how it all worked out." Hainsey attended the University of Massachusetts-Lowell for two years before leaving for Quebec of the AHL and then making his NHL debut with Montreal in 2002. He played 31 games with the Canadiens over two seasons before returning to the AHL with Hamilton. He broke back into the NHL to stay with Columbus in 2005. "If I told you I was trying to be a scientist or a world scholar, I'd be lying to you," Hainsey said of his college experience. "I wanted to turn pro as quick as possible. I liked the college experience ... but the same time I was focused on turning pro." Hainsey, who is second on the Thrashers in plus-minus rating at plus-3, has been paired with newcomer Pavel Kubina this season. Hainsey had a career-high 39 points (six goals, 33 assists) last season, tops among Atlanta defensemen. He has one goal this season. "Sometimes it takes some time, but me and Ron started playing together in training camp," Kubina said of his defensive partner. "I don't think it was an issue. He's played a lot of games in the NHL and he knows what it takes to play in this league." Kubina then added, with a smile: "He talks too much sometimes, but he's a good guy to be around."
Tagged: Ron Hainsey, Capitals, Canadiens, Jets, Pavel Kubina

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