Music: {allcanada} Bogosian sends credit in Huddy's direction

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

{allcanada} Bogosian sends credit in Huddy's direction

Soon after proclaiming his affinity for Winnipeg through both his words and his signature on a seven-year, $36 million contract, Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian tossed some praise in the direction of assistant coach Charlie Huddy, who played 18 years as an NHL defenseman and won the Stanley Cup five times with the Edmonton Oilers.

"He's been great for me since Day 1," Bogosian said of Huddy, who joined the Jets staff when the franchise moved to Winnipeg before the 2011-12 season. "My first four years in the NHL I had three different coaches, so you never really know what you're going to get out of something like that. Once I got to Winnipeg I realized Charlie was real easy to work with and he was good with all the guys. He's been great for me. Obviously, I want to play for him for a long time."

Bogosian said Huddy has been particularly good at keeping him on an even keel during games, something the 23-year-old has struggled with in the past.

"I'm pretty high-strung on the bench, I have quite the temper sometimes. He's the calming influence," Bogosian said. "I get a little fired up back there, but he always stays calm and when he tries to explain something to you it's not in a bad way. He teaches by talking to you and showing you video. That's been one of the best things for me. When you play for someone who is always yelling and screaming, sometimes it's hard to focus, but Charlie has been great as far as being calm."