D-man Biega rolls with his on-call role
Following frenetic forays in which Alex Biega put up eye-popping numbers and raised eyebrows Tuesday at Rogers Arena, he was asked to play figure skating judge Thursday.
The undersized Vancouver Canucks defenceman had seven shots, 10 shot attempts, six hits, two blocked shots, an even rating, a giveaway and two minor penalties in 17:37 of ice time during a 7-5 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
More importantly, Biega was in the lineup based on merit — not because of another player’s injury, but as a replacement for the struggling Ben Hutton — and for any depth defenceman dealing with the constant mental strain of training and not playing, it’s not something. It’s everything.
“That does mean a lot to me,” said the 29-year-old Montreal native, whose two-year, US$1.5-million contract extension expires after this season. “I’ve come to terms with my career that when I get in, I never give myself any excuses.
“The reason I got my first NHL recall (2014-15) is because of how I’m playing now. It bodes well. An aggressive style (of team play) is right up my alley. I like to join the play and be part of every zone. This structure fits who I am as a player.”
So, what would Biega award himself for technical merit and artistic impression against the Canadiens?
Probably pretty high marks on both accounts because he covered all areas of the ice like a seasoned figure skater.
Racing up ice to join the rush and hustling back — and even plastering winger Daniel Carr with a heavy sideboards hit — rates for artistic impression. But that’s open to interpretation and sustainability questions.
However, those seven shots stick out. Biega had just 32 through 18 games — picking up three assists along the way — but had six shots against the San Jose Sharks last Friday in Vancouver.
Would he give himself a high technical mark after his most recent outings?
“I would,” Biega said. “Probably because I’ve been working on that and I try to shoot 50 to 100 pucks a day and a lot of it has to do with watching other guys in the league and how they do it so well.
“And we’re playing the best in (San Jose defenceman) Brent Burns (five goals, five assists in previous 10 games). The way he shoots with a longer stick, I use a longer one, but he just shoots everything and he gets it through that first layer.
“It has velocity and it’s hard and if it gets by that second layer, defencemen are taught to box out and (the shot) usually gets on net. And those wristers are dangerous, too. You have a guy in front for tips and you get some puck luck.”
There’s nothing lucky about Biega being back in the lineup.
His mental strength to endure a span of 10 games in the last month as a healthy scratch reflects dedication. And it goes well beyond practice, the gym and video sessions. A 95 flex in his composite stick helps with whip, but it doesn’t help with processing his place in the game.
Biega is big on visualization. He’s also a voracious reader and listener to find the psychological tools that will help prolong his career. That not only includes selfhelp books, but audio books on those long charter flights and the attentive ear of the club’s sports psychologist, Dr. David Cox.
If that isn’t enough, there’s also charter jet seatmate Thomas Vanek’s brain to pick.
“I try to read 50 books a year — whether audio books or just reading self-improvement books or ones that people have recommended,” Biega said. “The mental part of this league is just unbelievable. We play every second night and you’re not going to be at your best every night.
“It’s how you get back to the way you’re capable of playing and I’ve got a good balance with that. You just can’t let things affect you and I’ve shown that. If you’re not in, control what you can control and make your environment.”
Coach Travis Green believes the added dimension that Biega brings has been a boon to his club because leading by example sends the right message to everybody.
“When he’s aggressive, I like that element with our group and it’s a big bonus because he’s done a good job getting up ice and getting shots away as well,” Green said. “He’s a real energetic player and it’s keeping that intact and not overdoing it and forcing plays.
“It’s a fine line for him of doing too much and playing his game.”
An aggressive style (of team play) is right up my alley. I like to join the play and be part of every zone.
ALEX BIEGA