The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Daryl Fransoo, a former Flin Flon Bomber and Weyburn Red Wing, has used his fighting fists to sign on the dotted line in the Central Hockey League. Fransoo, 21, signed a one-year contract with the Tulsa Oilers so he could fill the tough guy role after amassing 911 PIM in 137 SJHL games. He also had three goals and nine assists for 12 points, four of those with the Bombers. "I'm really excited," said Fransoo from his home in Weyburn. "I worked all my life to get to this." Playing for the Oilers is a stepping stone to what he hopes will become an NHL career. Heading into his first pro season after a three-year Junior A career, Fransoo knows the transition won't be easy. "Something I need to improve in my game is skating," he explained. That's where his agent Jeff Edwards, of First Star Sports Management, believes Fransoo shows a willingness to improve. "He's a big kid," Edwards said, as his client is 6-2, 230 pounds. "With his size, he could be playing in the AHL." Both Edwards and Oilers coach/director of player personnel, Butch Kaebel, stated this is an important step for Fransoo to take advantage of. "He's gonna have to fight to prove himself," Kaebel added. "We're excited to add him to the program. He can play a role we need." The Oilers have 18 players on their roster and Fransoo will play on their third line. "He has to come in top shape," Kaebel said. "We want him to be a role player and expect him to play hard and smart defensively. I'm looking for energy." Fortunately for Fransoo, playing a defensive game is something he believes he does well. "It's something I'm really proud of," Fransoo said. His defensive skills improved following a trade from the Bombers, which placed him under coach Dwight McMillan and assistant Darcy Pindus, who helped him with that aspect of the game. "They just drill it into you. Both are hard-nosed guys who have had success," he said. One quality Kaebel likes in Fransoo is that he's a good person, an important characteristic to the organization. "I like Daryl's attitude and his work ethic," he added. "Players like that are priceless. He wants to improve and that's what I like about Daryl." The determination to improve in the pros is there. And he believes he belongs there. "Not to sound cocky," Fransoo said, "I'm confident I can go down and make the team and make an impact."
