Mayers' biggest contributions off the ice for Hawks
What Jamal Mayers does on the ice is only part of what he means to the Blackhawks.
In addition to his 3 goals and 6 points in a fourth-line role and team-leading seven fights, mostly sticking up for teammates, Mayers has been the ultimate pro and leader behind the scenes.
“I think his best quality for us is his voice in the locker room,” Patrick Sharp said. “He pipes up at the right time and when he says something he has the attention of the full team. It's not just rah-rah stuff; it's specific stuff towards our team game.
“Off the ice he's organizing team events, taking care of trainers, doing a lot of things people just take for granted. He's a great teammate, and I'm definitely happy he's on my side instead of playing against him all those years in St. Louis.”
The 37-year-old Mayers is the kind of veteran who has helped captain Jonathan Toews and alternate captains Sharp and Duncan Keith lead the team — the kind of veteran the Hawks didn't have last season following the departures of John Madden and Brent Sopel.
“Jammer is a pro and does everything the right way,” Toews said. “He sets the example in so many different ways.
“When you're feeling tired or whatever and you want to take it easy, you see him flying down the ice working, never taking a shift or practice off. He's one of those guys who pushes everyone to be better.
“He doesn't take a night off, the same in practice. He's always keeping guys in check, making sure they're giving that same effort.”
Mayers learned how to be a pro from some of the best over his 13-year NHL career with St. Louis, Toronto, Calgary and San Jose.
“I was just very lucky that I started with an older group (in St. Louis), guys like Scott Mellanby, Geoff Courtnall, Al MacInnis, Keith Tkachuk, just guys who shaped the room and created the culture you had to follow,” Mayers said.
“It's part of being in the group together and wanting to stick up for each other on the ice and just be there for each other.
“That's the only way you can grow as a group. We're trying to building something special here.
“You just have to be yourself. If it's not authentic then guys will see through it.”
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville knew what he was getting when Mayers was signed as a free agent last summer having had him previously in St. Louis.
Mayers has been an anchor on the ever-changing fourth line, playing mostly at center.
“He's been real good for us,” Quenneville said. “One of the needs we talked about was some abrasiveness and toughness, and he gives us that. He's got a good attitude; he gives us some experience with good leadership skills. He's been a real good fit for us, really added that dimension that we had been looking for.
“He's played very well in a lot of ways. He's useful at faceoffs, toughness, kills penalties — he's been a nice addition.”
tsassone@dailyherald.com