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Well-traveled Steve MacIntyre lands with Florida Panthers

The Panthers re-called Steve MacIntyre their minor-league affiliate in Rochester, N.Y.
The Panthers re-called Steve MacIntyre their minor-league affiliate in Rochester, N.Y.
RICH LAM / GETTY IMAGES
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BY GEORGE RICHARDS

grichards@MiamiHerald.com

Steve MacIntyre's life in hockey has taken him to some obscure outposts. You name the league, and he probably has played in it during the past decade.

On Wednesday, MacIntyre showed that persistence sometimes pays off when the Panthers recalled him from their minor-league affiliate in Rochester, N.Y.

``[Tuesday] night, after our game in Hamilton [Ont.], my coach told me I was going to Florida,'' the hulking, 6-5 forward said before Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

``I said, `Sweet.' I haven't made this team yet, so I have to go in there and do what I can. Hopefully, I can stick around and be part of the club.''

MacIntyre played for the Panthers in the 2008 preseason but was waived so he could go to Rochester; instead, the Edmonton Oilers, the team he grew up rooting for, claimed him. For a guy from a tiny town in Saskatchewan, the experience was huge.

SECOND THOUGHTS

Especially considering that he walked away from the game years earlier. While playing in the East Coast Hockey League, MacIntyre was sent down to the United Hockey League. He started with the Quad City Mallards, then left for three months.

But MacIntyre thought it over and decided to return, and he finished the season with Quad City. He played the next season in the American Hockey League; then, after a year, he made it to the Oilers.

``I never really thought I would someday play for an NHL team,'' MacIntyre said. ``I just figured I'd have fun with it, and whatever happens, happens. At the same time, I wanted to work hard and put myself in position to be in the best shape I could and do what's asked of me. I never thought I'd be playing in Florida, that's for sure.''

FIGHT CLUB

During his career in the bus leagues, MacIntyre became a feared fighter. It's why he is with the Panthers. Florida seems tired of being pushed around, and a bruiser nicknamed `Smack-intyre'' can bring some of that to a halt.

``I didn't really like it at the start of my career because I thought I was just a big goon,'' MacIntyre said. ``Now I get paid to protect my teammates. . . .

``They're part of your family. You kind of take it personal when someone screws around with your family.''

With MacIntyre recalled, the Panthers put defenseman/right winger Ville Koistinen on waivers. According to general manager Randy Sexton, Koistinen -- who signed a two-year contract worth $2.4 million on July 1 -- could be sent to Rochester if he clears waivers at noon Thursday, as expected.

• Winger Gregory Campbell missed his third consecutive game after injuring a shoulder Friday in Detroit.

The Miami Herald
The Miami Herald

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