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SHOW STOPPERS - #38 ALLAN ROURKE
A Weekly Posting of a Sound Tigers who played for the Islanders this Season
Jun 6, 2007
In just his second season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Allan Rourke has steadily become one of the most reliable defensemen on the team's blue-line. He served as the assistant captain in both his seasons, providing leadership to Islander defense prospects such as Jamie Fraser and Drew Fata. Rourke finished both seasons as the second leading scoring defenseman on the Sound Tigers behind Bruno Gervais in Rourke's first season, and Mark Wotton last year. The offensive contributions kicked in on January 27, when he contributed to the Islanders 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres by assisting on Arron Asham's game-tying goal. Although points are a great way to show the coaches you belong in the NHL, Rourke's defensive ability to shut down opposing team's offensive stars has always been his specialty as he finished with an even rating in the 11 games in which he appeared. Throughout his two seasons with the Sound Tigers, Rourke has compiled 14 goals and 37 assists for 51 points in 118 games.
Being from the Toronto area, what was it like being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs (I'm guessing your favorite team as a child)?
It is a dream come true to be drafted by any NHL team but to go to the team I'd routed for my whole life was definitely a thrill. I never got to dress a game for the Leafs but to play in their system was a memorable time in my life.
What was your experience like receiving the call to join the Islanders for three stints this past season?
That's what you play for, the chance to compete in the NHL. When coach told me last season that I was to head down to the Island to join the big club, my adrenaline starting pumping a little faster, it's exciting. As a player it is disappointing to be sent back to the minors but I use it as motivation to go back up which I was able to experience three times last season.
How different were your experiences with the Islanders in the NHL compared to when you played with Carolina?
When I was called up in the Carolina system from their AHL affiliate, Lowell at the time, I was so excited because it was my first time playing in the NHL. Every player remembers the first time he pulled on an NHL sweater and skated onto the ice for the first time. Since then I've become more accustomed to the league and its players. I've been able to concentrate more on making the smart breakout passes and just keeping the game simple.
What was your most memorable moment playing with the Islanders this season?
Picking up an assist on Asham's goal against Buffalo was nice. Just playing in the NHL is memorable though. When you're skating against the best players in the world that is the memorable.
Serving as the assistant captain for the Sound Tigers the past two seasons, and in the league for the past seven years, what leadership roles do you feel are most important to show the rookies entering the league?
I think the most important thing for first year players in the AHL is the importance of hard work. This is one step below the NHL and when you work hard here, coaches notice and want to help you reach the next level. The guys who are riding the bikes after practice and games are the ones making that extra effort to take the next step.
