Saturday, April 8, 2006 | 7:30 a.m.
A dozen years ago, Wranglers rookie center Chris Neiszner was the envy of all of his friends when he attended the wedding of cousin Jeff Odgers in Spy Hill, Saskatchewan.
Odgers was a couple of years into an NHL career that lasted 12 seasons, and Neiszner added to memorabilia that would eventually include many signed photographs, programs and sticks.
"Pat Falloon was probably the biggest name there," Neiszner said. "We were at the reception, and Jeff stood there pointing at guys, 'You better get his (autograph), better get his.' I ran all around.
"Kids around here always ask for autographs, and anytime you can sign something for a kid and see him smile, it's always good."
1. Idols
As a kid, Neiszner appreciated Joe Niewendyk and Theo Fleury of the Flames. He watched Team Canada's Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman. "Not only were they skilled and determined, but they were class guys off the ice," he said. "Everything you hear about them is positive."
2. Travels
Before Las Vegas, Neiszner played four seasons in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels, improving each year. Odgers played four WHL seasons and two in the International Hockey League before sticking with San Jose in the NHL for five years. "The NHL, it's a big picture," Neiszner said. "This is a step in the right direction."
3. Omaha
Neiszner spent a week at Omaha in the American Hockey League in January, getting a goal and an assist. He saw many familiar faces from his junior days, which helped. "It was awesome," he said. "The next level. A step up. I always try to work as hard as I can."
4. The style
Like every Wrangler, defense comes first. "You have to keep the pucks out of our net, first," he said. Longtime Detroit center Kris Draper is a model. "A defensive role, taking key faceoffs and killing penalties and bringing intensity to the team," he said.
5. The scowl
His teammates' media-guide mugs show mostly smiles. Neiszner's photo is downright menacing. He laughed. "Everyone asks about it," he said. "When you're intense on the ice, it wears off the ice, I guess. I do try to smile once in a while."
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