Projo Bruins Blog

Joe McDonald

PROVIDENCE _ Ben Guite plays with a passion that is second to none.
The Providence Bruins forward and assistant captain exudes professionalism, and because of the tireless effort Guite has earned the ultimate promotion in the hockey world.
After tonight's 4-1 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, P-Bruins coach Scott Gordon informed Guite, 27, that the Boston Bruins called him up. He will likely make his NHL debut against the New York Islanders tonight at the Garden.
While it was a special night for Providence as it recorded its 500th all-time franchise victory, Guite picked up an assist while Jeremy Reich, Tyler Redenbach, Ben Walter and Sean Curry (empty net) provided the goals. Goaltender Jordan Sigalet made 20.
Guite was heading to Boston after last night's game because he didn't want to take a chance with the traffic in the morning.
"It's pretty amazing and I feel pretty good right now," said Guite. "This is what you play for your entire life."
As soon as the P-Bruins concluded their game last night, Gordon was thrilled with the opportunity Guite earned.
"Benny is a guy who takes nothing for granted," said Gordon. "Because of that, he lives every moment very passionately. His drive to succeed has been phenomenal from the day he arrived here on a tryout two years ago."
Gordon has asked just about everything from Guite and then some. He can play almost every position. He is solid on face offs. He plays on both special-team units, and would probably even play net if the coach asked.
"He has done everything a player can do to give himself the best chance to get called up," said Gordon. "When the time comes and he gets his opportunity, you will have the blueprint of how a player should follow."
Guite was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens as their eighth selection (172nd overall) in the 1997 NHL Entry draft. This is his second season the Bruins' organization and this is the first time in his six-year pro career that he is on an NHL contract.
On and off the ice, he has maximized his potential in every aspect and because of that he will get an opportunity sooner rather then later.
During offseason meetings, the organization's brass decides which players will be invited back, and according to Gordon having Guite in a Bruins sweater this season was a "no-brainer."
"The way he finished last year and played in the playoffs, if there was one guy we could take from our roster, he would be the one," said Gordon. "He brings so much versatility, and he isn't mediocre. He does such a great job at whatever role you want, and he sets a great example for our younger guys."
He won't know until game time if he will play against the Islanders, either way he realizes all his hard work has paid off.
"It feels good," he said. "There were a lot of times in my career when I thought this would never happen, including this year. This is pretty amazing."

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