Wednesday, October 28, 2015

On the Beat with Michael Leighton of the Rockford IceHogs-10/24/15

Continuing our coverage of the Rockford IceHogs, today we feature goalie Michael Leighton, a real hockey veteran.  Leighton is in his 18th season of pro hockey.
Leighton was originally drafted by the Chicago Balckhawks and made his NHL debut with them in the 2002-03 season.  He played in eight games that season and 41 the next (splitting time with the Norfolk Admirals.  He spent all of 2004-05 in Norfolk.
In 2006-07, Leighten logged in one game for the Nashville Predators and four with the Philadelphia Flyers.  He resurfaced again in 2007-08 with the Carolina Hurricanes and played there for 2.5 seasons, before Philly reacquired him via waivers.  He played one game in 2010-11 and one in 2012-13 with the Flyers.  He joined the Rockford IceHogs last season.
Leighton is a good fit for the IceHogs.  He gives the parent club Blackhawks extra insurance, while also serving as a pseudo-coach for the young goalies in Rockford.  Of course, he also wants his chance to shine, whether it is a Calder Cup championship in Rockford or a Stanley Cup title in Chicago.
Leighton had a very good night during the 4-3 win.  He stopped 33 of 36 shots, including many tough saves.
We had the pleasure of taking part n the post-game media session.  That interview is below (courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs).  A full recap on the victory can be found at IceHogs.com.  You can also read my story for Tru School Sports at Rockford IceHogs Move to 4-3.
Video courtesy of IceHogs TV IceHogs.com

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