Iron man: Rangers’ Garreffa keeps going and going
Versatile centre hasn’t missed a game in two-plus seasons
KITCHENER — Joseph Garreffa couldn’t put a number on it.
“I know I played all 68 games in the last two seasons,” he said. “But I’m not sure how many straight games I’m at.”
Right now, the fourth-year forward is riding a 143-game heater, which makes him the current Kitchener Rangers iron man.
After being in and out of the lineup as a rookie, the 19-year-old Toronto native has slipped on his red, white and blue sweater for every regular season game over the past two-plus campaigns.
“The first year I didn’t really like being up in the stands watching games,” said Garreffa, who was a healthy scratch at times. “You always want to play every game coming into every year. Hopefully, I can keep the streak going.”
The Rangers don’t keep statistics for consecutive games but it is believed that forward Darby Llewellyn — now with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators — holds the team record with
199 straight tilts.
But Garreffa can take the lead this season.
And if he runs the table next year as an overager, he’ll amass 279 consecutive contests, which would set an Ontario Hockey League record.
Forward Bobby Chaumont set the mark by playing 272 straight games for the Sudbury Wolves from 2001-05.
Rangers head coach Jay McKee isn’t surprised to see his versatile veteran, who also doubled as a defenceman last season, in that conversation.
“He’s the kind of kid that loves the game so much that he’s going to go out and play even if he’s not feeling 100 per cent or if he’s nicked up,” he said. “He just wants to be on the ice every night.”
Garreffa is often seen climbing the steep stairs at the Aud early on game nights. He also has a habit of hopping on a stationary bike before or after practices and games for extra exercise.
But aside from a strong work ethic, he says there isn’t a big secret to his uninterrupted string on the ice.
“I just think the main thing is getting a good night’s sleep, feeling good for practice and working hard,” he said.
Diet is also key.
“I’m not a big snack guy,” said the five-foot-six, 176-pound centre, who adds that his cheat meal is Chinese food or sushi.
The only time Garreffa felt like he might tap out was early in the playoffs this past March when he was battling a cold.
“We had so many man games lost due to sickness and the flu bug (last season),” McKee said. “I know there were days where he didn’t feel good but he just kept plugging away. I’m proud of that streak for him and we want to keep it going.”
Garreffa needs to play in 57 consecutive games to take the title from Llewellyn. That puts the record setting game Feb. 21 in Niagara.
And earning the nod as the most reliable Ranger sounds just fine to Garreffa.
“That’d be pretty cool,” he said.