When Adam McQuaid signed a three-year contract extension with Boston Bruins on Thursday, the pleasant disbelief as to his rapid progression through the black and gold hierarchy/meritocracy gained at least one more layer.
Almost precisely 19 months to the date of the extension, the rugged defenseman was still a fixture in Providence. That was where he initially figured to spend a third full season in 2009-10. And it was where he was still subject to derision from a few ungrateful fans at the Dunkin Donuts Center in spite of the leadership qualities and grit that made him invaluable at the AHL level.
Sure, at the time, everyone could agree that the young blueliner was far from ready for The Show. But it was ludicrous to hear snorts of “McQuaid’s a bum!” as late as Dec. 13, 2009, at which point he was playing his 174th game with Providence (on top of 26 Calder Cup playoff games) and answering the bell as usual against the likes of Manchester Monarchs tough guy Richard Clune.
After all, McQuaid had established a fairly ornate trophy case over his junior and minor pro career, including the Baby Bs’ Amanda Hendricks Fan Apprecia ...
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Article written by Al Daniel
Boston Bruins: Adam McQuaid Has Come a Long Way in a Short TIme
July 15th, 2011 by Al Daniel Leave a reply »
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