Lewiston Maineiacs’ defenseman Michal Korenko is going to have some familiar company when he arrives at the Boston Bruins’ rookie camp this week.
Former Maineiacs defenseman Bobby Gates, who played his final season with the team last year as a 20-year-old, learned late last week that he, too, will be at camp.
“I got the call from my agent,” said Gates. “He asked me if I was sitting down and he told me the good news. I was pretty excited.”
Gates, from Rhode Island, grew up a Bruins fan, and is relishing the chance to try out for the team.
“Most kids never get that chance,” said Gates. “I just want to give it my best shot, now that I have that chance.”
While Gates is a long shot at best to crack even the AHL Providence Bruins, he will be playing professional hockey in New England regardless of what happens at rookie camp. As he spoke Sunday, Gates had a copy of a contract on his desk to play for the UHL’s Danbury Trashers. Danbury is in Connecticut, which is also close to home.
“You never know what could happen, even there,” said Gates. “You never know who’s watching the games sometimes.”
This summer, aside from working out in a gym to stay in shape, Gates was employed for a landscaping company. Other options he considered included Canadian University and playing in Europe.
“I just want to play at the highest level of hockey possible,” said Gates. “To get invited to a team and stay. The fact that this might be so close to home, that’s got me pretty pumped up.”
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