Andy Brickley

Infobox Ice Hockey Player
position = Left Wing
played_for = Boston Bruins
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
New Jersey Devils
Winnipeg Jets
shot = Left
height_ft = 5
height_in = 11
weight_lb = 200
nickname = Brick
nationality = US
birth_date = Birth date and age|1961|8|9|mf=y
birth_place = Melrose, Massachusetts U.S.
draft = Round 10, #210 Overall
pre-NHL = UNH
Pre-NHL_league = Hockey East
draft_year = 1980
draft_team = Philadelphia Flyers
career_start = 1982
career_end = 2000

Andrew Brickley (born August 9, 1961) is a former professional hockey player, who spent 14 seasons playing in the National Hockey League, American Hockey League, and the International Hockey League. He currently serves as the color commentator for the Boston Bruins on the New England Sports Network.

College career

Brickley played for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats from 1979 to 1982. In 93 games for the Wildcats, Brickley scored 68 goals with 69 assists for a total of 137 points.citeweb| url=http://epic.unh.edu/unhwildcats/media/hockeym/historypdf/alpharoster.pdf| title=All-Time Alphabetical Roster| accessdate=2008-04-07| publisher=University of New Hampshire] He led the Wildcats to the NCAA Final Four in 1982 and was named first team NCAA All-American the same year. [citeweb| url=http://epic.unh.edu/unhwildcats/media/hockeym/historypdf/allamerica.pdf| title=Wildcat All-Americans| accessdate=2008-04-07] [citeweb| url=http://epic.unh.edu/unhwildcats/media/hockeym/historypdf/ncaahistory.pdf| title=Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament| accessdate=2008-04-07]

Professional career

Brickley was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers with the last overall pick in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. To that point, no last overall draftee had ever played in the NHL.fact|date=April 2008 Brickley became the first when he first appeared with the Flyers during the 1982–83 season.

In October 1983, the Flyers traded Brickley to the Pittsburgh Penguins with Ron Flockhart, Mark Taylor, and two 1984 draft picks in exchange for Rich Sutter and two 1984 draft picks. [citeweb| url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=571| title=Andy Brickley's profile at hockeydb.com| accessdate=2008-04-07] Brickley played a total of 95 games for the Penguins over two seasons, totaling 25 goals and 35 assists.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] He was demoted to the Baltimore Skipjacks briefly after he was caught breaking curfew with teammate Mike Bullard in Montreal. [cite news|title=Gunners with 50 no longer a rarity|language=English|publisher=Globe and Mail|date=1984-03-21|accessdate=2008-04-24]

The New Jersey Devils acquired Brickley in 1985 and sent him to the Maine Mariners for the 1985-86 season. In 60 games, he collected 26 goals and 34 assists, giving him the fourth-most points on the team. [citeweb|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000161986.html|title=1985–86 Maine Mariners (AHL) player statistics at hockeydb.com|accessdate=2008-04-24] He made his debut with the Devils in 1986 and appeared in a total of 96 games in two seasons, collecting 19 goals and 26 assists.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] In 1987, he took a puck off his face in a game in Chicago, losing five teeth and getting 30 stitches, the first time in his career he would be injured that way.citenews|last=Borges|first=Ron|title=He took one for the team|date=1988-12-05|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-04-22] Brickley was placed on waivers following the 1987-88 season and left unprotected by the team in the waiver draft, though the Devils demoted him to the Utica Devils in an effort to hide him from other teams and hold onto him for an additional season.cite news|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley starts to feel at home|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=1988-10-19|accessdate=2008-04-22] The Boston Bruins picked Brickley up in the waiver draft.

Brickley played in 71 games with the Bruins in the 1988-89 season, with 13 goals and 22 assists.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] In addition to his natural position at left wing, he played center and right wing frequently, filling in any position needed by Bruins coach Terry O'Reilly—a trend that continued the following season under Mike Milbury. On December 5, 1988, Brickley took another puck off his face—this time with a purpose, receiving credit for a goal after a Ray Bourque slapshot bounced off his face and into the goal. The injury required five stitches.citenews|last=Borges|first=Ron|title=He took one for the team|date=1988-12-05|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-04-22]

Brickley was on his way to the best season of his career in 1989-90 before being struck down by injuries. He scored his first goal of the season on October 26, 1989 against the Quebec Nordiques. On November 18, he collected his first career hat trick against the Devils, the team that left him unprotected in the waiver draft two years earlier. Brickley said of the occasion, "Whenever I can score against New Jersey, it is that much sweeter...I wanted to show them they made a mistake." [citenews|last=Harber|first=Paul|title=Brickley made Devils say Uncle|date=1989-11-19|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-04-22] Just days later, Brickley suffered an injury that severely hindered his ability to walk. [citenews|last=Rosa|first=Francis|title=Brickley suffers injury|date=1989-11-21|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] In January, he pulled a muscle in his thigh and missed about a week's worth of games. [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley will remain on sideline tonight|date=1990-01-29|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] 43 games into the season, after totalling a career-high 40 points, Brickley was sidelined for most of the remainder of the season when doctors discovered that the muscle in his right leg was calcifying, a condition known as myositis ossificans. [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=For Brickley, just a scare; Doctors say it's calcium buildup, not tumor, in his leg|date=1990-03-04|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] [citenews|last=Loewen|first=Gary|title=Brickley's hopes for playoffs dashed by groin surgery date|date=1990-05-16|publisher=The Globe and Mail|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] Despite the injury and the fact that Brickley had not played in months, Milbury permitted Brickley to play briefly in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Brickley's request. [citenews|last=Allen|first=Kevin|title=Player endures 'needles, knives' to fulfill boyhood NHL dream|date=1990-05-23|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22]

Brickley had his leg operation on July 17, 1990 [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley optimistic after surgery|date=1990-07-18|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] and ended up missing all of training camp. [citenews|last=Pave|first=Marvin|title=Brickley looks to put his game back together|date=1990-11-27|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] The Bruins placed Brickley on waivers that December after he struggled to return to form during the early part of the season. [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley placed on waivers; If unclaimed, veteran forward could end up in Maine|date=1990-12-27|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] Brickley reported to the Maine Mariners after going unclaimed, expressing a desire to remain with the Bruins organization, though he said he also felt unsure about his future with the team: "They say they're concerned about my game shape. Well, if they're concerned about that, why not send me down for the two-week conditioning period? Instead, they put me on irrevocable waivers. It really makes me wonder what my future is in the Bruins organization." [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley will play in Maine; Veteran forward goes unclaimed, accepts assignment to Mariners|date=1990-12-28|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] Brickley went on a tear with the Mariners, collecting 25 points in 17 gamesciteweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] and earning a brief recall to Boston, [citenews|last=Pave|first=Marvin|title=Brickley on his way back; He regained perspective in AHL|date=1991-01-12|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] finishing the season with 2 goals and 9 assists in 40 NHL games before injuring his shoulder in February.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Shoulder sidelines Brickley; Extent of injury unknown|date=1991-11-19|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24]

Brickley began the 1991-92 season in Maine, cut out of training camp in September. [citenews|last=Greenidge|first=Jim|title=Brickley, Markwart are cut|date=1991-09-24|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] He did well with the Mariners and was named team captain out of training camp before rejoining the Bruins in October.citenews|last=Pave|first=Martin|title=Brickley gets the call from Bruins|date=1991-10-16|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] He proved his value after being recalled, with 19 points in his first 11 games, including making 8 goals on 15 shots in that span [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley sparks offense again|date-1991-10-29|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-22] before suffering a shoulder injury in a game against the Hartford Whalers in November.citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Shoulder sidelines Brickley; Extent of injury unknown|date=1991-11-19|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] Brickley's hot start was subsequently stopped when it turned out he had a torn rotator cuff and required surgery to repair the injury. [citenews|title=Brickley sidelined; Best season ends in surgery|date=1991-11-23|publisher=The Gazette (Montreal)|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] He remained sidelined until February, first appearing in a charity skills competition with his teammates (and winning the shooting accuracy contest) [citenews|last=Pave|first=Marvin|title=Bruins show off their skills during team competition|date=1992-02-03|publisher=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-04-24] and then returning to the lineup in mid-February at St. Louis. [citenews|last=Marrapese|first=Nancy L.|title=Brickley ready to play tonight|date=1992-02-13|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] Still struggling late in the season, however, the Bruins eventually returned Brickley and other veterans to Maine, favoring youth over experience, and eventually cutting ties with them all after the season ended. [citenews|last=Zurkowsky|first=Herb|title=Once more with feeling; Canadiens, Bruins take to ice for ninth playoff in nine years|date=1992-05-03|publisher=The Gazette (Montreal)|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24]

After being released by Boston, Brickley latched on with the Winnipeg Jets, signing a two-way contractcitenews|last=Marrapese|first=Nancy L.|title=Oates cries foul after ref's calls|date=1992-12-30|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] and beginning the season with the American Hockey League's Moncton Hawks. After about three weeks in the AHL, the Jets recalled Brickley for an eleven-game stretch in which he collected only two points. [citenews|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Keans going to extremes to get back|date=1993-01-24|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2004-04-24] Brickley would play one more game for them that season and for one playoff game in which he collected a goal and an assist.citeweb| url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=571| title=Andy Brickley's profile at hockeydb.com| accessdate=2008-04-07] While playing for the Hawks that season, however, Brickley collected 15 goals and 36 assists in 38 games.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] Brickley appeared in just two games for Winnipeg the following season, but continued to have success in the AHL. He played in barely more than half of the Hawks' first 56 games while recovering from a rotator cuff injury, but following his brief two-game callup with the Jets, he led the league in shooting at 26.7 percent and collected four assists in a single game against Fredericton the night after scoring the game-tying goal with four seconds remaining in regulation. [citenews|last=Van Handle|first=Judy|title=Young guns firing away|date=1994-02-27|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24]

For the 1994-95 season, Brickley latched on with the New York Islanders, but never appeared in a game for them. Instead, he was assigned to the International Hockey League's Denver Grizzlies, missing the first month and a half of the season with knee trouble. [citenews|last=Van Handle|first=Judy|title=Looking for action? Go West, you fans; All of state's teams aren't in lockout|date=1994-12-11|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] He returned to score 50 points in 58 games with the Grizzliesciteweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC] and lead them to the Turner Cup for the first of two consecutive seasons. [citeweb|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php3?league=ihl1946&season=1995&leaguenm=IHL|title=1994-95 IHL Playoff Results|accessdate=2008-04-24] [citeweb|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php3?league=ihl1946&season=1996&leaguenm=IHL|title=1995-96 IHL Playoff Results|accessdate=2008-04-24] He played his final game with the Grizzlies in 1996 before retiring.citeweb|url=http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html|title=Andy Brickley Statistics — Hockey-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=Sports Reference LLC]

Years later, Brickley said of his career, "My story is a good one. I was always a B team player growing up. A walk-on through college and I finally got an opportunity because I stayed with it. I was the NHL's version of Mr. Irrelevant and I happily played 13 years." [citenews|last=Hunter|first=Paul|title=Skating on very thin ice|date=2006-06-23|publisher=The Toronto Star|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24]

Broadcasting career

Brickley's first experience as a broadcaster came when he was with the Grizzlies, participating in broadcasts while he was injured.cite news|last=Craig|first=Jack|title=Brickley gets call on WBZ|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=1996-09-06|accessdate=2008-04-22]

WBZ Radio hired Brickley in 1996 to replace Barry Pederson as the color commentator on Bruins radio broadcasts.cite news|last=Craig|first=Jack|title=Brickley gets call on WBZ|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=1996-09-06|accessdate=2008-04-22] In 1997, UPN 38 selected Brickley as Derek Sanderson's replacement on Bruins television broadcasts.cite news|last=Manly|first=Howard|title=Ch. 38 hires Brickley to replace Sanderson|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=1997-07-03|accessdate=2008-04-22] He joined NESN in 2000citeweb| url=http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/aboutus/onair/andybrickley/| title=Andy Brickley — Boston.com| accessdate=2008-04-07] , initially working primarily road games with broadcaster Dave Shea. Beginning with the 2005-06 season, Brickley called all games, doing the road games with Jack Edwards and the home games with Dale Arnold. [citenews|last=Griffith|first=Bill|title=Edwards, NESN look like good fit|date=2005-09-27|publisher=The Boston Globe|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-24] Since the 2007-08 season, he and Edwards have called all of NESN's Bruins telecasts. Brickley also does color commentary for Versus. [citeweb| url=http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/6006/?tf=NHLArticleWrapper.tpl| title=Versus — NHL Broadcaster Bios| accessdate=2008-04-07]

Personal life

Brickley currently resides in Hingham, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.citeweb| url=http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/aboutus/onair/andybrickley/| title=Andy Brickley — Boston.com| accessdate=2008-04-07] Diane Brickley is on the board of directors for [http://www.goodsports.org/aboutus.html Good Sports] , an organization that donates sporting goods to community organizations that offer sports programs to disadvantaged youths. [citeweb|url=http://www.goodsports.org/aboutus.html|title=Good Sports|accessdate=2008-04-22]

Brickley has a history of athleticism in his family. His grandfather, George Brickley, played for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1913. [cite news|last=Loewen|first=Gary|title=Brickley always ready to lend a hand|language=English|publisher=The Globe and Mail|date=1989-04-26|accessdate=2008-04-22] [citeweb|url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/brickge01.shtml|title=George Brickley Statistics — Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=2008-04-22] His great-uncle was college football player and coach Charles Brickley. [http://www.hockeydraftcentral.com/1980/80210.html] His younger brother Quintin also played hockey for the University of New Hampshire.citeweb| url=http://epic.unh.edu/unhwildcats/media/hockeym/historypdf/alpharoster.pdf| title=All-Time Alphabetical Roster| accessdate=2008-04-07| publisher=University of New Hampshire] cite news|last=DuPont|first=Kevin Paul|title=Brickley starts to feel at home|language=English|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=1988-10-19|accessdate=2008-04-22]

References

External links

* Career statistics from [http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=00000571 HockeyDB] and [http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/brickan01.html Hockey Reference]
* [http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/aboutus/onair/andybrickley/ NESN profile]

Persondata
NAME = Brickley, Andy
ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Brick
SHORT DESCRIPTION = Ice hockey winger
DATE OF BIRTH = August 8, 1961
PLACE OF BIRTH = Melrose, Massachusetts
DATE OF DEATH =
PLACE OF DEATH =