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In a tight series of seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, “you have to have character to perform” recognized Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Coach Michel Therrien.  Character is not about artistry or fancy plays.  It’s about courage, discipline, and hard work.  

In September of 2002 Michel Therrien, then coach of the Montreal Canadiens noticed Jozef Balej’s level of play during a scrimmage match.   He noticed Balej’s attitude on the ice.  He had speed, energy and a “beautiful talent to be developed.”

At the age of nine, Balej was prompted by his father to decide between hockey or soccer.    He left his family home to play in a neighboring city in Slovakia which had a hockey team.  Then when he turned 15, he came to the United States and played three years with Portland of the WHL.  

The now twenty-two year-old right winger was happy with his success but he wanted to win a championship.  “Last year, the Hamilton Bulldogs went to the playoffs and we didn’t win it,” he said, referring to the Calder Cup lost against the Houston Aeros.  He was prepared to win and in 15 playoff games he scored nine goals and seven assists. 

League MVP Jason LaBarbera showed the same intensity for the Hartford Wolfpack. The New York Ranger goaltender prospect nicknamed “Gonzo”, who jokes about his resemblance to the Jim Henson character and wears his image on his helmet, knows that to win games he must maintain a competitive edge. 

Other than his helmet, Wilkes-Barre goaltender 21-year-old Andy Chiodo knows not to take his opponent LaBarbera as a joke.  He understands his position and his aptitude.  “You have to respect the fact that there are a lot of good shots on both teams, a lot of talent.  It’s important from a goaltender’s standpoint to make key saves at key times.”

In a tied series and a third period score of 1-1 then came overtime and sudden death.  “We have to have the killer instinct,” said Therrien.  Hartford Wolf Pack Coach Ryan McGill was committed not to make any improvements during overtime.  “If you change too much you are looking for trouble.”

Although consistency in plays is important, character builds upon discipline and taking “every little play (to) make the game count”, as left winger 24-year-old Matt Murley pointed out when he scored the winning goal in overtime.  Hockey’s Future frequently refers to Murley as “top notch sniper.”   He proved it.  “I was standing in front of Colby (Armstrong) with the puck.  He took a great shot and I was lucky to take my stick on it.” 

His excellent positional play and his ability to read right winger Armstrong’s actions is what he refers as plain luck.  “We are building chemistry every series,” he said of his linemate.

After the game, Coach Ryan McGill, who is mentioned by the media as a possibility to fill the New York Rangers coaching vacancy, admitted that he did not know what message to convey to his team.  “I don’t know.   It has been a disappointing finish of the season.  I’m out of words right now…That is what happens in playoff hockey.  We didn’t make the best of the play.  Lucky bounce it went into the net.”

With the win, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins advance to the Calder Cup Finals against the Milwaukee Admirals in a best of seven series.