Alan Quine has learned a thing or two about transitioning from various teams and organizations throughout his young career.  But now the AHL All-Star forward has found a home within the New York Islanders organization, where he has been developing his all-round game with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and making a strong case for an opportunity in the NHL. 

Quine was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the first round, second overall, in the 2009 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft, and would go on to play for three different teams over four seasons in the OHL.  Most teenagers would have found the transitions difficult, and although they weren’t without their challenges, Quine adapted well to his new surroundings.

“When I was traded from Kingston to Peterborough, I happened to have some buddies on the Petes.  Knowing some guys on the team eases the transition and helps makes for a good adjustment.  Plus having good billet families is so important.  I always had great billets and lived in good homes.  That always helps.”

After a successful sophomore season where he recorded 53 points in 69 games split between Kingston and Peterborough, Quine was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the third round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.  Following a productive season in 2011-12 with Peterborough, his third in the league, Quine joined the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Red Wings for 3 games to close out the season, even registering an assist.  That brief experience at the pro level would help Quine prepare for the road ahead.

“That year in Peterborough, we didn’t make the playoffs, so I got a call right after the season ended to join the Griffins.  I was 18 years old at the time and it was pretty cool to not only practice with the team but then get into 3 games and get a taste of what professional hockey is like.” 

Quine would be traded again midway through his final junior season to help the Belleville Bulls go on a strong playoff run.  His final year of junior was also his most productive, scoring at over a point per game pace, and finishing with 67 points in 54 games.  He would then earn the somewhat rare distinction of being drafted to the NHL for a second time.

“Going into the final months, it didn’t seem Detroit was planning on re-signing me.  I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do for about a month or so after that.  Then on the day of the NHL draft, I was out golfing with my family when on the drive home I got a call from my agent telling me the New York Islanders had selected me in the sixth round.  It was pretty cool to come out of left field like that, and I was really glad to know that I was on their radar.”

Since being selected by the Islanders, Quine has relished the opportunity to further develop his game while receiving sound advice on becoming a complete player. 

“For me, as soon as I got here, the Islanders coaches and management wanted me to be a complete player and play a 200-foot game.  They were really on me about being good away from the puck, which will lead to opportunities with the puck.”

The 2015-16 season, his third full season in the AHL has seen his all-round game improve. 

“The Bridgeport coaches, staff, and entire Islanders organization is first class.  It’s especially fun playing hockey when the team is winning, and I have really enjoyed my time here.  Coach (Brent) Thompson has been hard on me, but he has high expectations which has really pushed me.  I think I’ve improved a lot as this season has gone on which has helped boost my confidence.”

Quine’s improved play was recognized by the AHL when he was named as a late addition to this year’s AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse where he contributed 2 goals for the Atlantic Division in the new game format.

“We had played at home just before the All-Star break and I was actually an hour and a half into my drive home to Ottawa when Coach Thompson called me and said I’d be replacing Ryan Pulock as Bridgeport’s representative.  So I turned around, went home to get my suit and gear and headed straight to Syracuse.  It was great to be around so many young prospects, I loved the format, playing 3 on 3 was a really cool experience, and I got to play with some old teammates and friends I have met throughout the years.  The league did a great job with the event, certainly from a player’s perspective.”

Away from the rink, Quine is a hockey fan at heart, keeping a close watch on some of the hockey heroes he grew up watching. 

“I was a big Ottawa Senators fan growing up, and Marian Hossa was probably my favorite player.  But I spent 10 years living in the Maritimes so when Sidney Crosby came into the League, I started rooting for him, being from Cole Harbour.”

The accolades haven’t stopped for Quine this season.  He will be one of the 150 players featured within this year’s AHL-PHPA Upper Deck trading card set which will be released later this spring. “I definitely collected cards when I was younger, and it is pretty nice to be recognized as one of the top 150 players in the League and be asked to sign cards which will be included within the set.  A cool experience for sure.”

At this point in his young pro career, Quine hasn’t had much interaction with the PHPA however, he notes it is reassuring to know players are represented by a union that looks out for the best interest of the players.

“We definitely have a solid union.  Larry (Landon) comes in every year and gives his presentation on the PHPA, and really shows how the PHPA is here to help.  The other guys have very positive things to say about the PHPA and I’m happy to be part of it.”

With the Sound Tigers inching toward a playoff berth in this year’s chase for the Calder Cup, Alan Quine is taking his game to another level to help his team win.

On April 4, Quine was announced as the CCM / AHL Player of the Week having notched four goals and three assists for seven points in three games.

“We have a solid team and we have shown that we can compete at a high level.  Both Bridgeport as well as the Islanders can both contend for a championship.  My focus is to be consistent, reliable, making sure I do my job each and every night, and work towards a shot in the NHL.”

Follow the author on Twitter: @DarrylRDionne