by Matt Tidcombe | AHL On The Beat
You can never say never in the professional sporting world, and for David Dziurzynski, that phrase especially rings true.
After a six-season spell with the Senators’ organization ended in 2016 — where he played 26 NHL games, scoring three goals and six points — the 28-year-old didn’t think he’d pull on the red and white jersey again.
But sometimes the opportunity comes calling. After being released by the Utica Comets, the Belleville Senators snapped up a familiar face for a second run with the organization.
“I never thought I’d be back, but the hockey world is crazy,” Dziurzynski said. “I’m happy to be back and to help the team win.”
Dziurzynski was signed to a professional tryout agreement on March 24 and played hours later in the Sens’ 4-2 win over Toronto, where he collected an assist. He’d score his first goal with the team less than 24 hours later as Belleville beat Laval 8-2.
https://twitter.com/BellevilleSens/status/978276043885764613
“It was nice to come out and get that first goal and hopefully score a few more in the upcoming games,” Dziurzynski said.
The Lloydminster, AB., native primarily spent his previous time with Sens organization in the AHL, playing in 351 games with Binghamton and notching 46 goals and 127 points. He was also part of the 2011 Calder Cup winning team that was led by Kurt Kleinendorst in his rookie season.
And that made the readjustment easy when he walked into the locker room Saturday afternoon.
“Being here for seven years previously, it’s good to be back to see some familiar faces. I played a couple of years under Kurt in my first few years so I know his system, which made it easy to come back and adjust.”
And for Kleinendorst, going back to a familiar face is a good thing.
“It’s nice sometimes to go back to the well,” Kleinendorst said. “I already have a relationship with David and he’s a good player. He’s more than just a tough player, he skates, he shoots, he had a nice goal for us Sunday.”
