Right time, right place for Wild's Moore?

The newly acquired center could take the next step in his career under the tutelage of coach Jacques Lemaire.

By Michael Russo, Star Tribune

Last update: February 28, 2007 - 9:16 PM

CALGARY, ALBERTA - While playing for the Boston Bruins, Wild left winger Brian Rolston remembers keeping an eye on a high-scoring, high-energy forward who was playing at nearby Harvard University.

"A lot of upside, that kid," Rolston said.

"That kid" was newly acquired Dominic Moore, who left Harvard ranked 11th on the all-time scoring list with 147 points in 128 games.

Rolston paid attention because his brother, Ron, was Harvard's assistant coach during three of Moore's four years. Tuesday, Ron Rolston was ecstatic to learn Moore had been traded to the Wild.

He feels Brian has blossomed into an elite two-way forward thanks in part to the early influence Jacques Lemaire had on his career in New Jersey. Ron Rolston thinks being around Lemaire will pay big dividends for Moore, too.

"At the college level, Dominic was an offensive player, real smooth, could make plays and score," said Ron Rolston, now the U.S. National Under-18 coach.

"Since he's been in the pros, he's played more of a defensive role. There's big upside to his game. Playing for Jacques and gaining added confidence, this kid could blossom into a real quality two-way centerman.

"It's all about finding your niche in the NHL. Dominic's already worked on his defensive game, and Jacques is the best in that area. Now we'll see if he can produce."

Moore, 26, said Ron Rolston had a huge influence on his career. Besides Harvard, Rolston has been an assistant at Lake Superior State, Clarkson and Boston College. Everywhere he goes, he basically becomes the fitness guru because the programs didn't have strength coaches.

"I learned a lot from Ron, a lot about the game and a lot of about fitness," Moore said. "I take pride in my commitment to fitness, and that comes from Ron."

Notes

• Wyatt Smith knows Moore's acquisition could eventually knock him from the lineup, but he took it maturely.

"His addition really helps our team," Smith said. "That's the big picture right now. Just show up tomorrow and what happens, it happens. I'll support my teammates and play hard and bring the same effort.

"I know a little bit about Moore. He's pretty steady, good on faceoffs, a penalty killer-type guy, too. He's obviously not going to hurt our team. It just makes it stronger." ...

• A Calgary reporter asked Brian Rolston what has changed since the Wild lost its 11th straight road game Jan. 9 in Calgary (the Wild had won nine of 12 on the road before Wednesday's game). Rolston said, "Niklas Backstrom, no question."

Michael Russo • mrusso@startribune.com

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