Every once in awhile, there comes along an athlete that defies the odds, makes himself better by working hard and creates an atmosphere about him that all others look to for support.
The leader of the club. The guy that takes locker room silence and turns it into a constructive conversation which, in turn, makes the team play better in the third period.
In today’s population, there are few. I have seen just two since I have been to Northeastern. Erika Silva, a strong-willed women’s hockey goalie that reached the pinnacle of her Northeastern career in her junior year, was the first.
Then, just a month ago, the second such leader was called into his coaches’ office and was told he was going to San Jose.
“It was in the works,” said the leader. “It was about the time frame that they said they would call me up. He said we’re going up and our stuff would meet us in San Jose.”
Jim Fahey. Remember him? You talk about leadership, the man brought it to the table.
Fahey, who since has signed an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks, played 25 games with the Cleveland Barons, the Sharks’ minor league affiliate, been called up to the big club and has been averaging nearly 13 minutes a game.
“It’s a great experience,” Fahey said in a Tuesday interview with The News and WRBB. “Not many guys get a chance to do what I’m doing and it’s just an honor to be here.”
Monday night, Fahey got into his first fight in a 5-5 with the Edmonton Oilers.
“What’s that about?” I asked him.
“The kid I fought told me that my buddy’s head was too big so I fought him,” Fahey cracked.
(Maybe Keni Gibson could pick up some pointers.)
Fahey was called up nearly a month ago and since then has already had to stop Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Joe Thornton. And wouldn’t you know the first team he scored on?
“Watching Lemieux was, in itself, an experience,” he said. “Scoring my first goal in Boston. That was great. I had a bunch of family and friends there to see it.”
Some of his teammates, who were there to see his first career NHL goal, were also there to see his first NU tally.
Willie Levesque, a teammate for four years at Northeastern along with Graig Mischler, another NU alum, were both on the Cleveland Barons when the Milton native buried his first career pro goal.
On Jim’s Boston tally, former NU great Dan McGillis, now with the Sharks, was there to see it too.
Jim’s had a chance to meet all different people and says it’s one of his greatest experiences of all.
“There are people from all parts of the world,” he said. “I am the only American on the Sharks. All different types of people from different parts of life. It’s really interesting. But everyone has been great to get to know. The guys are really good guys.
“Getting acclimated to the pro game is a challenge,” he continued. “You have to earn the respect of your teammates every day. You have to play hard everyday and know that nothing is certain in this league.”
Not only does Fahey get a chance to meet some new teammates, but also many fans.
Yesterday started with a Sharks practice and a workout. He was picked up by teammate Scott Hannon, after the skate around and a brief lifting session, and after an important interview call to a Northeastern News columnist, Fahey was headed to a children’s book reading with two other teammates.
“It’s something we get a chance to do,” said Fahey. “We want to give back to the community. It’s definitely a good thing.”
Fahey still talks to some of the Huskies here at NU, sighting Trevor Reschny as his main contact.
“I still talk to those guys,” he said. “I know their stumbling a bit but they’ll get back at it.”
Northeastern coach Bruce Crowder once called Jim Fahey a “self-made hockey player.” That speaks volumes about his dedication. If he made himself this good, this early, it’s scary to think what level his game can reach.
The greatest hockey player to leave Northeastern—Jim Fahey.
In the locker room:
The Huskies need another Jim Fahey. It remains to be seen who can pick up the same intensity. I would vote for three characters after last weekend. You gotta love Keni Gibson’s tenacity in that scrum in front of the net. I’ve seen it, the guy is frustrated. I also like Reschny because he shows me something every time he skates. He never has a shift where he looks tired or defenseless. There, my third is Jaron Herriman. Why Herriman? I think the guy is underrated first of all and, when he finds his niche, will be a tough guy to stop. Secondly, looking at Herriman a few times last year, I almost said, “Hey Jim, can I get a couple quotes?” He looks the spitting image of Fahey. So, Gibson, Reschny or Herriman? Fox 25, started talking about the men’s basketball win over Boston College by saying, “bad day for the hometown team.” Incidentally, I’d call it a helluva day for the hometowners. Nice work guys.
