Happy Whaler Nation Birthday: Mark Janssens

 

Mark Janssens was a prolific scorer as an amateur who embraced a defensive role in the NHL. This allowed him to find a niche for himself in the big leagues that had lasted thirteen years as of the 2001-2002 season.

Born in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, B.C., Janssens starred for his hometown's entry in the B.C. amateur league in 1983-84. He went on to play four seasons with the Regina Pats where he was a consistent point producer and abrasive power forward. Chosen 72nd overall by the New York Rangers in the 1986 Entry Draft, Janssens spent a year apprenticing with Denver of the IHL before joining the Blueshirts in 1989-90. His agressive play for a rookie helped him become a fan favourite at Madison Square Garden.

When the Rangers led the NHL in points during the 1991-92 season, they were deep at centre with Mark Messier, Darren Turcotte, Doug Weight, and Sergei Nemchinov. Janssens consequently spent most of his time with Binghamton of the AHL. He was traded to Minnesota but saw limited playing time there. On the eve of training camp in 1992, Janssens' career was revived when he was traded to the Hartford Whalers, a team in need of more grit up front. He played nearly five full seasons there until he was traded to Anaheim late in 1996-97.

The Mighty Ducks were looking for experience and grit, and Janssens filled the role well as the team reached the second round of the playoffs. He later played for the New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes before settling down with the Chicago Black Hawks. Janssens played 60 games for the Hawks in 1998-99 before settling in to a more part-time role with the team as of 2001-02.

Janssens at the Whale Bowl Feb. 2011