BOSTON -- Bobby Robins has done everything imaginable for a chance to play in the NHL. And finally his time has come.
The nine-year pro, who turns 33 on Oct. 17, arrived at work Tuesday morning to find his Bruins jersey hanging in his locker -- meaning he had earned a roster spot and is on the verge of making his NHL debut.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Robins said. “It definitely proves that sticking to the game plan and the program of just working hard every day, and getting a little bit better every day and over the course of a long time -- nine years actually -- so over the course of that long time you can improve and get better and accomplish your dream.”
Early last season, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli made a comment that Robins would be a part of the Bruins’ future. For someone who has never played above the AHL level, and is already in his early 30s, it was an indication how Chiarelli viewed Robins and his potential to bring energy to Boston’s lineup.
Now that Robins has earned a spot, Chiarelli is pleased with the veteran’s accomplishments.
“He’s a great story,” Chiarelli said. “In Providence he was a great forechecker. As Claude said, he finished all his checks, he’s a hard player. ... Right through this camp he’s shown that he’s belonged, and it’s a great story.”
On and off the ice, the Bruins have plenty of leadership. Not that the team is boring, but it could use someone like Robins to light a spark.
“It’s always good to have guys like that around that create energy with that physical play and not afraid to go into the hard areas -- the corners, drive the net, take the puck to the net and stuff like that and mix it up when he has to,” said Bruins forward Milan Lucic. “The dues that he’s had to pay in order to get himself to this point in his life and his career, it’s pretty impressive that he’s finally made it, so it’s good to see a guy get rewarded for working hard and playing hard. We’re going to need him to continue to do that to help us be successful.”
Robins is known for his relentless style of play. He bows down to no one on the ice and always protects his teammates.
Ryan Spooner, 22, is entering his third pro season in the Bruins organization. Along with Robins, Spooner was also informed he had earned a roster spot in Boston out of training camp. Spooner possesses the speed and offensive skill it takes to play in the NHL, but Robins’ game is built on grit.
Spooner was happy to hear that Robins made the team.
“It’s awesome,” Spooner said. “He’s such a good guy. He works so hard. I’ve played with him for the past two seasons and he always has your back on the ice. He’s a tough guy and I’m just really happy for him right now.”
During his nearly decade-long trek around minor league hockey, there were times Robins thought about quitting. After the 2009-2010 season, he had just finished playing in Austria and had no idea what he would do next with his hockey career. He thought it was over.
“I played two years over in Europe, and after my year in Austria I didn’t have many options," he said. "I went through a list of what my options in life were. It was, move on, get a job, do this, do that, and one of the options was make the NHL and really obtain my dream. Then I made a list of the steps I would need to take to get there, and that was obviously the hardest path to choose and that’s the one I chose and I’m happy with the decision.”
He signed with the P-Bruins during the 2011-2012 season and played 33 games, registering two goals and 10 assists for 12 points, but he amassed 150 penalty minutes. During the 2012-2013 season in Providence, he played 74 games and posted four goals and seven assists for 11 points, with 316 penalty minutes. Last season, he had 221 penalty minutes, with five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 68 games for the P-Bruins.
There’s much more to Robins’ game than fighting.
His ability to forecheck is one of his better attributes. He’s improved his skating over the last few years and that will need to continue, especially at the NHL level. He’ll need to make smart decisions with the puck and basically play a simple game.
“Just bring energy every single shift,” he said. “I’m bringing the physical aspect to the game, where I’m going to be in there on the forecheck, I’m going to be putting guys through the glass and really inspiring my teammates and getting the crowd going, just bringing that energy and bringing life to the Garden.”
When Chiarelli informed former Bruins veteran forward Shawn Thornton at the start of the summer that the team would not re-sign him, the door opened for Robins. He knows he’ll have to fight and he’s prepared to handle that role well. He’s fought all the heavyweights in the AHL and he won’t shy away from any opponent while playing for the Bruins.
“When you’re playing that style of hockey, fights are going to happen,” Robins said. “I’m going to be playing that style. I’m looking to hit guys and get on the forecheck. Then when somebody challenges you, that’s when you fight. All the stage fights are getting weeded out of the game, but when you’re playing with passion and fury, fights are going to happen and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Robins, who was signed by the Ottawa Senators in July 2006 after he completed his four-year collegiate career, has played in the ECHL, AHL and in Europe. Other than a few preseason games, he’s never played in the NHL. That will change this season.
If Julien decides to put Robins in the lineup for the season opener Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden, it will be a dream come true for him.
“It’s an honor,” he said. “I went to UMass-Lowell and I’ve been playing in Providence the past few years. To know the history, to have watched all the games and all the faces that have come through this organization, and now to be wearing the jersey is a great honor and I’m going to do everything I can to represent it.”