QUEBEC CITY. Que. – Every coach needs a solid veteran player who can be thrown into every situation. In Peoria, Trent Whitfield fits that profile. Rivermen head coach Davis Payne is the first to recognize the effectiveness of his captain.
“He is the type of guy with the type of work ethic necessary,” Payne said. “In practice, the weight room on the ice during game. He gives everything he can give on every shift. That places our young guys in the position to see what it takes day in and day out and that is a great job with our young guys.”
Payne says Whitfield focuses on what’s in front of him, and doesn’t dwell on whether he should be playing in the NHL. “I think it comes down to an opportunity. He is the kind of guy who comes through the organization and given a good
Photo courtesy of the Peoria Rivermen
Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round in 1996, (100th overall) Whitfield signed on as free agent with the Washington Capitals and played for their AHL affiliate in Portland and the parent club between for six seasons, except for a single game in 2001-02 where he played in New York for the Rangers.
Signed by the St. Louis Blues in 2005-06 as free agent, he played 30 games with the Blues before going to the AHL to play for Peoria. Whitfield is the kind of player he can use in every situation — whether the team is shorthanded or playing with a man advantage or at even strength. So what is his best attribute?
“Without question his work ethic”, said Payne. “He is great on the face off, played in all situations and as the captain he does a great job carrying my messages with intensity if it necessary over the course of different situations during the season.”
Whitfield, who had been called up recently to St. Louis, was returned by the NHL organization to Peoria on Jan. 20. With the Rivermen, the Estevan, Saskatchewan native notched 12 goals and 28 points in 38 games.
Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com
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