On the Islanders Beat

Rob Hennigar

The 25 year-old center from University of New Brunswick was recently signed to a two-year, two-way deal with the Islanders. Hennigar led the CIS (Canada's equivalent of NCAA) with 58 points (15 goals, 43 assists) and was named this year's CIS Hockey Player of the Year. After playing for four years with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, Hennigar made it to the top line at UNB as a freshman, was voted team MVP in all four seasons, and currently holds the university record for points scored (159, 37 goals, 122 assists). Of the three NHL teams pursuing him (the other two were also in the Eastern conference), Hennigar said the Islanders were the most persistent and made him the best offer. While his agent, Allain Roy, could not divulge specific numbers, he did confirm Hennigar received a 5-figure signing bonus.
The selling point for Hennigar's game, according to Hennigar, Roy, and Hennigar's coach at UNB, Gardiner MacDougall, is his hockey IQ.

"His 'wow' factor is that he's very smart," MacDougall said. "He distributes the puck very well."

Although he has been the most prolific scorer at UNB, MacDougall said he really made a stride in his game this past year. In addition to his strength as a dish-man, his ability to anticipate where the puck is going and make those around him better, he's been shooting more as well. Hennigar led his conference with 110 shots in 27 regular-season games.

"I just think I could come in there with some offensive ability, whether it be in the AHL or wherever," Hennigar said. "I like to set 'em up and shell out goals."

Hennigar (5 ft-11, 200 lbs.) said he'll be training during the off-season to get in the best physical shape possible, working on his quickness and putting weight on in the "right places," so that during camp he can "take the hits, and give a few out as well."

"He's a guy that can step into camp and surprise some people," Roy said. "I do think they signed a guy that will be knocking on doors right from the start."

--KS