Blaine Down

2004-05 Update:

It is definitely great news that Blaine Down wasn't seriously hurt back in January when he was carried off the ice on a stretcher. And he should make a full recovery. But his career with the Sound Tigers hasn't really been anything to talk about. He has been a role player for most of his three seasons, constantly injured, and hasn't really done much at all for the team. I can't say he is taking the roster spot of a young prospect because most teams in the AHL need free agent signings to fill a roster. But his future with the Sound Tigers could end at any time.

CAN'T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN
Blaine Will Make Complete Recovery

(January 31, 2005) In the big picture, Blaine Down is going to be all right -- and that's all that really matters. Although he is likely to miss the remainder of the season, Blaine is being released from the hospital this evening and is expected to be able to play hockey again.

The gritty Sound Tigers forward was seriously injured during the second period of Bridgeport's 6-4 win over Hartford yesterday at the Arena at Harbor Yard. The game was delayed 20 minutes as Down was treated on the ice by paramedics and Bridgeport trainer Garrett Timms. Blaine's neck was stabillized and he was removed from the playing surface on a stretcher.

After several examinations at Bridgeport Hospital, it was determined that Down suffered fractures of three vetebral bodies of his cervical spine. According to Islanders medical director Elliot Pellman, "The fractures were uncomplicated and both neurologically and radiologically never posed a significant problem." Pellman cited the Bridgeport staff's "excellent, appropriate on-ice treatment" and was encouraged by the hospital's decision to release Down from the hospital today.

"Although I cannot say definitively that he is out for the remainder of this season," said Pellman, "I can tell you that once he heals and is cleared by a specialist, Blaine will be able to resume his hockey career."

"The most important thing was his well-being," said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury. "Once it was determined Blaine was going to be okay, it's great news to hear he'll be able to continue doing what he loves most --playing hockey. Blaine's a terrific kid, a real honest, hard-working hockey player. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him back at the rink when he's ready."

Junior Career:

Barrie's fifth round pick (#91 overall) in 1999 OHL Priority Selection

FIRST BARRIE GAME:  September 23, 1999 vs. Kitchener

FIRST BARRIE POINT:  Assist, September 23, 1999 vs. Kitchener

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Missed 22 games due to injury during 1999-00 season …. Named Iboza.com 2000-2001 "Grinder of the Year" … Tied for league lead and led team in recording 18 game point scoring streak from Jan 1 to Feb 18, 2001 (13-15-28…Recorded five two-goal games, Sep 23 , 2001 vs. North Bay, Sep 24 at St. Michael's, Oct 6 at Mississauga, Nov 11 vs. Ottawa, and Jan 20 , 2001 vs. Mississauga…Team leader with 36 points at home (19-17-36)…Invited to attend the Canadian National Junior Team's development camp on Aug 1…Attended Bruins’ training camp in Sep 2001…Recorded four point games Oct 6, 2001 vs. Toronto, and Sep 27, 2001 against Sault Ste. Marie....Named to the 2002 OHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team....Registered eight game point-streak from Jan 20 to Feb 7, 2002 (6-5-11)....Led all Colts and fourth in league with (15-10-25) totals in 20 playoff games during 2001-02...Moved into first place on all-time Colts playoff scoring list with (27-16-43) totals in 45 games...Registered three shorthanded penalty shot goals in 2001-02 playoffs...Recorded nine game goal streak in 2001-02 playoffs (Apr 10-May 3) in which he posted (9-6-15) totals....Scored overtime winner in game three of the Eastern Conference Final against Toronto.

Blaine Down named Mac's OHL player of the week

Monday, September 25, 2002

Toronto - The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Barrie Colts left winger Blaine Down is the Mac's OHL Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday September 24, 2000.

Down scored four goals, along with an assist, for five points to help the Colts post a 1-0-1-0 (W-L-T-OTL) record last week.

Barrie hosted the North Bay Centennials at their 2000-01 home opener on Saturday September 23. Down, the game's first star, scored two goals as the Colts and Centennials tied 3-3. Down added two more goals, including the game-winner, and an assist, on Sunday in a 5-2 road win over the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. He was named second star of the contest.

Down, a Whitby native, was the Colts top scoring rookie during the 1999-2000 season, posting 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 43 games. He added 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in 22 playoff games helping the Colts to their first OHL Championship.

Blaine Down named OHL player of the week

Monday, April 22, 2002

Toronto - The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Barrie Colts left winger Blaine Down is the OHL Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday April 21 after scoring three goals and four assists for seven points in three playoff games.

Down, a 20-year-old native of Oshawa, scored once and added an assist to help the Colts eliminate the Belleville Bulls with a 3-2 win in game six of their Eastern Conference semi-final on April 15. Down added two goals and three assists in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. The Colts lead the series 2-0 with game three tonight at St. Michael's College School Arena.

Down leads the Colts in scoring through 13 playoff games with 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points. He was also the Colts top scorer in the regular season with 25 goals and 36 assists for 61 points in 63 games.

Update: 7/22/02

Islanders sign Down as a free agent to a 3 year contract. Could return to Barrie as an overager. If turns pro will most likely compete for a spot with Bridgeport or Trenton. Was the leading scorer for the Colts in 2001-02 with 25 goals and 61 points in 63 games.