Long Island native wants to 'have fun again'

Hockey seems to have a way of bringing Chris Higgins to Utica.

It is the sport that first brought the newest Utica Comets forward to the area a few years ago to see a family friend from Long Island.

That family friend is former Utica College men's hockey captain Evan Chlanda, who played for the Pioneers from 2009 to 2013. The pair grew up playing hockey together, Higgins said.

“We took a couple road trips up here to visit him and see the city,” said Higgins, a Smithtown native whose father is a retired New York City fire department captain and brother is an officer with the NYPD. “It was a lot of fun (coming to Utica). … Hopefully, they'll take a road trip to see me soon.”

The 32-year-old Higgins is back in Utica after he was reassigned to the Comets last week by the parent Vancouver Canucks.

The forward's future within the Canucks' organization is uncertain. After recovering from a fractured foot he suffered in a Sept. 21 preseason game against San Jose, Higgins had two goals and an assist in 25 games with the Canucks. On Jan. 10, General Manager Jim Benning said in a statement released by the team that they were “exploring trade options” for Higgins to make room for younger players. It is rare for a National Hockey League team to publicly state their intention to trade a player. Higgins cleared waivers last Wednesday.

“I just want to have fun again,” Higgins said after Comets practice Monday morning at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. “It has been a tough year for me in Vancouver. … Having a little bit of fun playing hockey is my first goal.”

Higgins described his first practice with the Comets on Monday as “tough.” His last game with the Canucks was Jan. 9, when he played 11 minutes, 16 seconds in Vancouver's 3-2 overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

“I haven't skated in a little while,” he said with a smile. “I was huffing and puffing a little bit out there. Being an older guy, it is fun seeing the younger guys and their enthusiasm. I think it is going to rub off on me. …

“We have a week of practice before we play a game, so that kind of helps me get settled with this team and get in a groove."

The Comets are off until Saturday when they visit the division-leading Toronto Marlies. The teams also play Sunday in Toronto. Utica is 18-15-3-3 and tied for third place with St. John's in the North Division. Higgins said he's looking forward to helping the Comets, who have won back-to-back games after Saturday's 1-0 overtime victory over the Albany Devils.

“When you're working hard and playing good minutes, you're having fun,” said Higgins, who is 6-feet, 205 pounds. “I'm looking forward to contributing to this team. … You play to your strengths, especially when you're kind of in an uncertain situation. That's what I'm going to do."

Comets head coach Travis Green said he is “anxious” to see Higgins on the ice. Higgins has accumulated 164 goals and 168 assists in 703 career regular-season games in the NHL with Montreal, the New York Rangers, Calgary, Florida and Vancouver. He last played in the American Hockey League during the 2004-05 season, when a labor dispute forced an NHL lockout. He totaled 51 points in 76 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs that season.

“He's been a good player for a long time in the NHL,” said Green, who totaled 455 points in 970 career NHL regular-season games with five teams. “We're excited to have him. ... Hopefully we'll push him off to the NHL.

“I think it will be good for him to be playing and having some fun again."

Higgins said he's excited to play in front of a home crowd. He'll have to wait until Jan. 30 when Rochester visits Utica.

“I heard (the Aud) is great,” Higgins said. “Someone told me they've sold out (34 consecutive) games. I'm definitely looking forward to that first home game.”

NOTES: The Comets released defenseman Danny Syvret from his player tryout contract Monday. The 30-year-old Syvret had two goals and two assists in 10 games this season. … The team also officially reassigned forward Curtis Valk to ECHL Kalamazoo on Monday. He played in one game for the Comets. … Alex Grenier skated with the team in a non-contact jersey Monday. He has missed three consecutive games with an injury.

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