Bv BILL FLEISCHMAN : Philadelphia Daily News
Jim Wasson, all 5-8 and 150 pounds, plays for the Wings the way Andy (The Flea) Provan plays for the Atoms and the way Terry Crisp plays for the Flyers. He overcomes his small size with hustle.
Last night Wasson, 22, spent some time checking Maryland Arrows such as John MeKenna (6-1, 178) and Greg Marchen (6 2, 205). McKenna retaliated by cross-checking Wasson to the Spectrum floor.
Wasson also contributed to the 23-7 runaway by scoring one goal and assisting on another as the Wings took a 3-0 lead on short-handed goals.
“I JUST TRY TO WORK for the loose balls and hustle.” the speedy Wasson said after admitting his 150 pounds is ‘with my equipment on.”
Nearby, coach Bobby Allan was referring to Wasson’s work:
“The big difference tonight was we hustled after the loose balls. Possession is so important in this game. It requires a fair amount of courage to get the ball (near the boards) when you know someone is behind you.”
Wasson just smiles and says. ”I try to get in and out quick before they can catch me.” Wasson’s courage is indisputable. He received three cracked ribs in a playoff hockey game just before camp opened.
He’s a lot like Bobby Clarke the way he bugs you,” said GM Jack Bionda. “In practice he’ll hit Carm Collins (captain and the National Lacrosse League’s most penalized player) on the knee. Carm will get mad and swing his stick, but he can’t catch Jimmy.”
