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Wideman has his eye on playoff run
» Elmira native having a great year as Boston Bruins contend for a spot in the post-season festivities
BY: VANESSA MOSS
With the NHL regular season wrapping up next week, teams vying for playoff spots are in heated competition, and Elmira’s Dennis Wideman is right in the thick of it.
The six-foot tall defenceman is rounding out an impressive first season with the Boston Bruins and hoping for more.
“It’s been two or three years since the Bruins have been in the playoffs, so that was our goal; we have six games left here and a couple teams hot on our tails. We want to send them off and put a few wins up and make sure we get in the playoffs and give us a shot to make a little run,” Wideman said while on his way home from practice in Boston Wednesday.
With a 6-2 win in Toronto Tuesday night, the Bruins moved into the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference with 86 points. On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals were close behind in ninth place with 84 points and the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers were tied for 10th with 81.
“Things are getting pretty tight and pretty heated up here.”
Making it to the NHL playoffs is something Wideman, 25, has been working towards for a while.
He first took to the ice at age four in the Elmira learn-to-skate program and eventually went on to play one year for the Sugar Kings Junior B club.
In 1999, he started his Ontario Hockey League career with the Sudbury Wolves, followed by four years with the London Knights and one year with the American Hockey League Worchester Sharks.
His initial break came on June 30, 2004 when the St. Louis Blues signed him as a free agent.
After a stint with the Peoria Rivermen (AHL), he played another 20 games with the Blues in 2006, before joining the Bruins Feb. 27, 2007.
“Sometimes you’ve got to pinch yourself. It’s pretty unbelievable the life that I have and it’s really exciting to get the chance to play in the NHL. It was something that I always wanted to do growing up, and even up until I was 19, 20, I still never thought I’d ever get to play.”
So far this season, Wideman has laced up for 75 of 76 games, is fifth on the team in points with 35 (12 goals, 23 assists) and, along with Zdeno Chara, has the best plus/minus average of plus-12.
“I think this year I’ve come a long way. I’ve made great strides and really solidified my game. I’ve gotten a lot better defensively: the last two seasons, I struggled a bit in my own zone and I was a bit of a liability, with being not able to play against top lines; this year I think I’ve gotten a lot better at playing against the more skilled players and taking control of the puck.”
Wideman has shared his recent success with his family, all of whom still live in and around Elmira
His brother Darren is a coach with the Elmira Sugar Kings and his parents remain at the house Wideman grew up in on New Jerusalem Road.
Although Lorene Wideman is proud of what her son has accomplished, she admitted he was not at his best Tuesday when she and 14 other family members and friends were in the stands at the Air Canada Centre.
“They have those nights. He did fine, but he himself admitted that it wasn’t his greatest game.”
Since Lorene spent many years driving Wideman to the rink, she is happy that he has come this far.
“It was all well worth it. … He worked very hard to get where he’s at.”
That said, she makes sure not to treat him any differently now that he has reached a level of fame.
“I’m happy for him. I’m proud of him for being there, but I don’t think of him as an NHL player: he’s my son.”
When he is not on the ice, Wideman really is just a normal guy, he says.
After 11:30 a.m. practices in Boston, he heads back to his place a few blocks from the arena around 2 p.m. and usually takes it easy: much like his plans for Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m probably going to sit on the couch for a little bit,” he said laughing.
The NHL lifestyle is not as exciting as people might think, with some players not touching a drop of alcohol all season.
“We play a lot of games. We can’t be going out as much as it used to be. The game’s changed quite a bit. There used to be a lot more partying and carrying on than there is now.”
Wideman does get to socialize frequently though, both at promotional and charity events and during his spare time. Since he doesn’t cook, he usually meets people for a meal and a movie or a walk around the city during the week.
He said he enjoys exploring his new historic area, but misses the laidback atmosphere of Elmira. And, since he drives a Chevy pickup truck, he has had trouble adjusting to Boston’s narrow streets.
In the summer, Wideman spends time reconnecting with his hometown friends and family.
This year, he will be relaxing at his new cottage near Parry Sound, golfing five times a week, and taking trips to Elmira on weekends.
“I go home for the summer. It’s always good to see my friends and just be able to go and sit in the backyard and have a couple of drinks.”
Another summer project for Wideman and his agent will be setting up a new contract.
He hopes they can arrange a long-term deal, so that he can further develop in his position with the team.
“I just want to help this team get better and solidify ourselves as a playoff team every year and obviously, the end goal for every player is to, at some point, play for the Stanley Cup and win the Stanley Cup.”
Wideman said he looks forward to another year with his team members, some of whom are “quite the characters.” Marc Savard “keeps the room loose” and Chara sets a high standard.
“That has been quite the experience being able to play with him all year. He’s one of the best defencemen in the league so, it makes my job a whole lot easier when I’m out there with him.”
Although he was excited for a second match-up against Toronto Thursday night at home, Wideman said there is nothing quite like playing in Canada.
“It’s definitely a different atmosphere. … There’s a different passion for the game up there. It’s a lot louder and the fans get into it a little more.”
But, no matter where he plays, the Elmira native is just glad to be getting ice time.
“It’s been a surprise and it’s been a great run so far.”