Retiring Gionta a ‘beacon’ for smaller players in NHL: Ennis

There weren’t many NHLers who Tyler Ennis could top in height. Brian Gionta, who was listed at 5-foot-7 was in that ‘small’ group, but Ennis looked up to the 39-yearold, who announced his retirement this week.

“He kind of gave guys like me hope, succeeding in that era when it was almost impossible for smaller guys,” Ennis said Wednesday. “He was a beacon who probably did more for my career than he knows.” When Gionta broke in with the New Jersey Devils, winning the 2002 Stanley Cup, Ennis was not even junior hockey age.

“I grew up kind of idolizing him,” said Ennis, generously listed as 5-9. “He won a Cup and he was fun to watch.”

In the new NHL with the emphasis on speed and skill, both could be accommodated on the same team, the Buffalo Sabres. Gionta was their captain for a time.

“I was very fortunate,” Ennis said of their time together. “He’s such a great guy, a leader and comes from

Igrewupkind of idolizing him. HewonaCup and he was fun to watch.

a great family. I’m happy for him that he had an amazing career. I think he could still play, he’s so fast, like he’s in his 20s.”

Gionta said: “I never thought it would have lasted as long as it did. I went into it hoping I could play one NHL game.”

The Rochester, N.Y., native wrapped with 595 points and will become a part-time development coach with the Sabres.