BRIDGEPORT, CT - Last March, the hockey world was dealt a black eye when Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi hit Colorado’s Steve Moore from behind. It was considered a vicious and cheap play by Bertuzzi, which resulted in the Avalanche forward sustaining three cracked vertebrae from the attack. The incident shocked the NHL, especially the Rangers Dominic Moore, who is Steve’s younger brother.

“It was a difficult situation for my whole family. We dealt with a tough time and moved on,” the younger Moore told MOFO Sports and added that his brother is getting better, but he is still on the mend.

The Ranger prospect has not been affected by his brother’s situation, as he is having a great year for the Wolf Pack. He currently leads the team with 16 points (3 goals and 13 assists) and has a +9 rating, which also tops the team. Until recently, Moore was centering a line with Chad Wiseman and Jozef Balej and as production dictated, they were doing pretty well together.

“I think we have a lot of speed and it is still early in the year, so it takes time to develop that chemistry on where we would be on the ice,” Moore said of his two line-mates.

The center played five games last season with the Blueshirts and had three assists in his first NHL game in Montreal. Even though he said it was “fun”, he never let it get to his head and that is something Moore has on his side; he maintains an even keel on the ice and never gets too far up or down.

“I just play my game and things will take care of themselves,” he said. “I try to be an all around player and whatever happens, happens.”

Another great aspect about the center’s game is that it is well rounded. He seems to play well at even strength; power play and penalty killing situations. Moore has worked on all these aspects of the game, so he can stick with the Rangers when the NHL resumes.

“I pride myself in getting better in all areas as a hockey player. If you want to improve, you want to work on your strengths as well as your weaknesses,” Moore said. “I always prided myself in being an all around player.”

Moore said that he is gaining confidence every single day. As the season goes along he will experience playing with various line combinations, which will help him in the NHL, since the Rangers will be using a number of Wolf Pack players on the big club. He knows what it will take to make it.

“I am just improving in all areas. It has been my focus to improve as a player and having fun,” he added. “The other things will take care of themselves.”

With a great attitude and great game, it’s only a matter of time until Moore reaches Broadway permanently.

Photo by Chris Rutsch/Hartford Wolf Pack.