DANVILLE, IL – On February 21, Pro Hockey News was at Palmer Arena in Danville to see the Dashers’ Chris Affinati take down Port Huron’s Ryan Devine with a left uppercut during one of the game’s many inflammatory moments. It’s still a little surreal to go back and watch.
The 6′ 4″ Prowlers defenseman towered over Affinati, who met Devine at center ice at a generous 5′ 8″. The story gained international attention with one Swedish sports news agency comparing the two to David and Goliath.
http://tv.aftonbladet.se/abtv/articles/111393
We sat down and talked to “Affi” recently after a home loss to Port Huron. A former Chicago Golden Gloves semi-finalist, the Highland Park native is also an MMA coach, trainer, and undefeated fighter in the XFO, Chicago’s mixed martial arts league. “I don’t fight as often as I’d like to,” Chris explained. “The training is extensive, and between hockey and all I have going on I just can’t afford the time it takes to do it on a continual basis.”
All he has going on may be an understatement. In addition to a 13 year hockey career and professional fighting and coaching, Affinati is also a personal trainer and kid’s hockey coach. The morning after our interview Chris left for Chicago to coach the Falcons of the Squirt Central States Hockey League, who captured the 2015-2016 Illinois State Championship. He immediately returned to Danville for the Sunday contest with Port Huron.
“I love Danville,” Affinati said. “From day one I have had the love and support of this community. They have made me feel welcome; like I’m a part of this town.”
Indeed, Affinati has shown a notable amount of attention back to Danville. Nicknamed “Bulldog” for the contrast between his tenacity and his small stature, Chris goes far out of his way to acknowledge the fans – especially the kids. We watched him returning high fives to kids through the penalty box, not just slapping his hand against the glass for them but turning to look at them eye to eye. He greeted and spoke to supporters at rink side when he was escorted off the ice after the bout with Devine, the crowd chanting “Affi…Affi”.
Even during our interview at a local restaurant after the game, Affinati continually broke away to speak to fans and sign autographs. Chris told us that many of the kids from Danville travel up to Chicago to attend his hockey clinics. “The love and support here is nothing short of amazing,” said Affinati.
Affinati had two very productive seasons with the Dashers from 2011 to 2013, putting up 24 and 26 points respectively with an average of 151 PIMs. “In 11 seasons of minor hockey I’ve had 7 major surgeries,” Chris related when asked about his sparse participation in the last several seasons. “I had double hip surgery in 2012. I’ve had surgery on my wrist, shoulder, knee, and AC joint. But I love the fans and I love the team. I’m going to do everything I can to stay in the lineup and to stay a part of it.”
Photos courtesy of Shawn Crose and Chris Affinati
Special thanks to Sportbladet Hockeystudion
Follow the author on Twitter @RonnaReporter
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