From Dutchmen to Penguins: Caffaro Gets Shot at NHL

By Kevin Zalaznik

SCHENECTADY, NY -- Around 9:30 p.m. on March 7 the goal horn blasted off the wooden roof of Messa Rink, the home of the Union College men's ice hockey team. The Dutchmen gathered at center ice saluted the crowd, topping off the team's first ever postseason series victory - a two game sweep of Clarkson. The moment was arguably the greatest achievement so far for a program that started Division I play in 1991. For then-senior Lane Caffaro it was one of the greatest victories for him in the garnet and white and would turn out to be the last time he would play in that building.

It didn't take long for Caffaro to continue his career, however, signing with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League only days after the Dutchmen's season came to a close. Caffaro earned his degree in mechanical engineering in June the same month he began his summer program preparing for his shot at the National Hockey League.

"I went back to and started training all summer with Edmonton Oilers strength and conditioning coach Simon Bennett and some other NHL and AHL players," Caffaro said. "So I guess my professional career started in June. I just totally dedicated myself to giving myself a chance to make this hockey team."

"This hockey team" the Slave Lake, Alberta native is referring to is the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, who behind the likings of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury and a list of NHL stars knocked off the defending champions, the Detroit Red Wings, in one of the all-time greatest comebacks in Stanley Cup Finals history.

From garnet and white to black and gold, Caffaro, who is currently at training camp in Pittsburgh, appealed to the Penguins not only because of his defensive prowess, but his ability to create offense.

"I think that was a big thing coming in here that my game didn't change," Caffaro said. "The coaching staff really stressed what I brought to the table as a college hockey player offensively and defensively. I think that was one reason why they picked me up. I didn't have to change the offensive side of my game. I could use that at this level also, and that's what I needed."

If you remember Caffaro became the school's all-time defensive scoring leader, ending his career with 79 points, including 23 goals. He played in 135 games and began co-captaining the team during his junior season.

"There is a change," Caffaro said before the Penguins hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets in a preseason battle on Sept. 15. "You go from being a go-to guy. You take for granted being in the top defensive pairing. This year at camp there are probably 12 defensemen who are all great defensemen and have done well in their careers. It really pushes you to play well and do as much as you can to get the spot that you deserve."

Spending rookie camp in Kitchener, Ontario, Caffaro and the rest of the newbies played four games in five days as they prepared for training camp, which started Sept. 11 in front of a couple thousand die-hard Penguin fans.

"It's pretty crazy around here," Caffaro said. "Our first practice we came out and there were a couple of thousand fans watching. Once Sidney Crosby touched the ice people started going crazy. It was just a practice. I'm leaving the rink and people are lined up outside wanting autographs. The fan support around here is pretty unbelievable."

Attention that comes from being in one of the top organizations in the league. However, Caffaro doesn't have to look far to feel comfortable in his surroundings.

"Both Union and the Penguin organization treat their players very well," Caffaro said. "The coaching staffs put the time in and are very involved with their players. I know when I was at Union everything was at my fingertips. I could do extra work on the ice and have the coaches there at all times. In Pittsburgh its the same thing here. Every coach knows everyone's first name and is here to help you as much as they can."

Caffaro came to Union after playing for the Ft. McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and played in all but 13 games for the Dutchmen. Although the jerseys changes with each progression in the process, the dream never does.

"It's unbelievable to have an NHL logo on your chest when you're practicing," Caffaro said. "It makes you want to work even harder. It's nice to know that all the hard work I've put in since I was young has paid off a little bit. It's special. I never thought it would be Pittsburgh, growing up in northern Alberta, but I feel absolutely lucky to have the Penguin on my chest."