Music: {allcanada} Spezza on Alfredsson: 'We had great chemistry'

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

{allcanada} Spezza on Alfredsson: 'We had great chemistry'

It's a Wonderful Life / The Polar Express

Jason Spezza joined Brady and Walker Sportsnet 590 The Fan to talk about his new four-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars and the transition from playing in a market like Ottawa compared to his experience in Texas this season.

Naturally, the conversation turned to Spezza's time in Ottawa, and more specifically the 10 seasons he spent playing with former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson.

With Alfredsson set to officially retire on Thursday in Ottawa, Spezza looked back fondly at the success they had playing together. It's mixed emotions for Spezza, who is both happy and sad for his former teammate.

"It's sad to see a player of that calibre have to retire, but also I'm happy that he's comfortable with his decision," Spezza told Brady and Walker.

LISTEN: Spezza talks Alfredsson with Brady and Walker

You don't play into your 40s without displaying some semblance of consistency, which Spezza noted was one of Alfredsson's strong suits.

"He's one of those guys that when you look back at some of the things he did and how consistent he was, it's something to marvel at."

Alfredsson is 10 years older than Spezza. Despite the gap in age and experience, they were a match on the ice. Spezza spoke about what made them click.

"We had great chemistry, there's no doubt about that," Spezza said. "He was a very smart hockey player and he knew how to play the game. I think because his game wasn't really based on speed is probably why he could play for so long at such a high level. Even in his prime, I don't think he was burning guys wide and relying on speed. A lot of it was through his hands and his head and how he thought the game."

Alfredsson is expected to skate in warmup with the Senators on Thursday before the club gives him a proper sendoff at Canadian Tire Centre with the New York Islanders in town.

Spezza is set to step onto a familiar ice surface tonight as the Stars are in Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs. The Battle of Ontario it is not.

A Charlie Brown Christmas / All I Want for Christmas