James van Riemsdyk (right) was highly impressed when he saw video highlights of a young Phil Kessel (left) back in 2005-06 and he's still blown away by his Leafs linemate's formidable skills. (Jack Boland/Toronto Sun)
James van Riemsdyk couldn’t take his eyes off the flickering images on the screen.
It was the talent of Phil Kessel on full display, but it had nothing to do with the skilled Maple Leafs forward’s exploits this abbreviated 2012-13 season.
“It’s kind of a funny story,” van Riemsdyk said after practice on Friday at the MasterCard Centre.
“My first year in the U.S. (national team development) program with Ron Rolston in (2005-06), they showed us the highlight video of the team that was there the year before us, and that was Phil’s team. I remember watching this guy (and thinking) he is unbelievable.
“It comes around full-circle about how you’re wowed when you’re 16 years old watching this highlight video and he is 17, 18 years old and now to play on his line, that’s something that is pretty cool.”
