Akim - Google Blog Search

---

<b>Akim</b> Aliu released from his professional tryout by the Hamilton <b>...</b> Posted: 14 Nov 2013 07:11 PM PST Photo: Robin Leworthy Wilson/Aerial Promotions After earning a 25-game professional tryout contract following training camp, Hamilton has decided to cut the power forward just 14 games into the season. There were some mixed reactions when the Hamilton Bulldogs brought in forward Akim Aliu on a professional tryout contract in September. Coming into training camp, the scouting report on Aliu was that he's a power forward who plays with an edge and thrives playing a physical game. Still, his reputation for being enigmatic at times caused Canadiens fans to wonder how he would fit with the Bulldogs. After a solid training camp where Aliu's physical presence was felt, the Bulldogs decided to award the 24-year-old with a 25-game professional tryout contract. Unfortunately for Aliu, his tryout with Hamilton has been short lived after Montreal Canadiens and Bulldogs General Manager Marc Bergevin announced today that the team will be parting ways with Aliu. In 14 games with the Bulldogs this season, Aliu put up four points (three goals, one assist) and 18 penalty minutes. Prior to this season, Aliu spent the previous two seasons within the Calgary Flames' organization. In 84 combined games played with the Abbotsford Heat, Calgary's affiliate, Aliu recorded a total of 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) and 170 penalty minutes. Aliu also played 5 games between 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 with the Flames, registering 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) and 26 penalty minutes. The Nigerian-born forward was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, 56th overall in the 2007 NHL draft after spending his junior career in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires, Sudbury Wolves, and London Knights. More from Eyes On The Prize:

bulldogs release <b>akim</b> aliu from professional <b>...</b> - The Reusch Blog Posted: 14 Nov 2013 06:17 PM PST Nov 14th, 2013 | By reusch | Category: Hamilton Bulldogs, Hockey-General News 19 – Akim Aliu – Released from Hamilton Tryout Contract Nov. 14 I thought right winger Akim Aliu played well enough through the first fourteen games of the season to warrant at least an AHL contract offer from the Hamilton Bulldogs For reasons that we'll never know for sure, the Bulldogs disagreed. The Nigerian-born Aliu was signed to a training camp tryout contract after being let go by the Calgary Flames organization in July.  The Canadiens saw enough of the 6'4" 225 lb right winger that they cautiously offered him a twenty-five game professional tryout contract. With eleven games remaining in his tryout eligibility the Canadiens had seen enough.  Despite three goals and an assist in fourteen games, they released him. The Canadiens were fascinated by Aliu's size and natural skills.   They were also aware of the bad dressing room and off-ice reputation that has dogged him since his days as a 16 year old with the Junior Windsor Spitfires and everybody can't be wrong. Over eight years since that fight with Windsor teammate Steve Downie over a hazing ritual, Aliu  moved on to play with two more junior teams then, after being drafted by Chicago, played on three ECHL teams, five AHL teams while moving through  the Blackhawks, Thrashers/Jets, Flames and now the Canadiens NHL organizations. Off ice discipline and character rates very highly in Marc Bergevin's player assessment.   In some of those areas, Aliu's lack of maturity has brought him up short once again.  At the age of 24 his options are rapidly disappearing.

You are subscribed to email updates from Akim - Google Blog Search To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610