Weekes -79

While listening to the Penguins-Devils radio broadcast last night on Pittsburgh's 105.9 WXDX, I heard a story from color-man and ex-Penguin Phil Bourque (he's the Bourque with two Stanley Cup rings, mind you) that I hadn't heard before.

Devils goalie Kevin Weekes was brought in this year to back up future HHOF'er Martin Brodeur. Weekes, throughout his career, including stints with Carolina and the NY Rangers, had worn #80, as a tribute to legend NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice. When he got to New Jersey this year, he initially donned the number until one day during the pre-season when he walked into the locker room to discover all of is equipment had been changed to #1. Apparently, Mr. New Jersey Devil, Lou Lamoriello, had told the Devils' equipment guy to go into the locker room and change Weeks' number - no questions asked and without Weekes' knowledge or permission. Lamoriello is an "old school" guy and doesn't allow his players to wear high numbers. Weekes and Lamoriello never spoke about it - Weekes just accepted it because he wanted to be part of the team and moved on. Lamoriello is a system guy, a team guy, and doesn't like anybody to stand out from the pack.


You can't argue with success; but still, I don't know whether to love or hate Lou for something like this. It's approaching, but not quite, Steinbrenner territory.