By Ken Wiebe /

His resume speaks for itself, but what is it that makes Mike Keane such a great leader?

That was the question we posed to several of his Manitoba Moose teammates around the time Keane was getting set to play the 1,500th regular-season game of his professional hockey career.

Many of the responses give you a glimpse of how a guy can go from being an undrafted free agent to winning three Stanley Cups with three different teams.

“It’s his experience and knowing what he’s done over his career – everybody automatically has respect for him and what he does out on the ice,” said Moose forward Jason Jaffray. “It’s not something he has to show. He’s already earned it (the respect) from the many years that he’s played.

“The way he plays on the ice and how he speaks off the ice is like nothing I’ve ever seen from anybody in the game. He’s one of those guys who knows his role out on the ice and does it really well. Off the ice, he keeps everybody accountable and speaks when needed and straightens guys out. When he speaks, everybody listens. It’s definitely great to have him on our team.”

And while Keane, who turns 41 on May 29, is effective at holding court when the time is right, he also leads the way with his unmatched work ethic and impressive fitness level.

“He doesn’t have to say much, but everything he does is so professional,” said Moose forward Alexandre Bolduc. “It’s the little things that he does that makes me admire him and makes me want to be professional like him.

“He doesn’t have to be here, he’s here because he chooses to be. It makes him happy. It’s fun to watch him and he’s fun to have around. He’s like a 22-year-old out there.”

In a league where the up-and-down play of a youngster is a common theme, Keane’s consistency is a welcome sign for a head coach.

“He plays the same way all the time,” said Moose head coach Scott Arniel. “He played that way 20 years ago and it’s nothing but a compliment. You know he’s going to block shots, finish checks and he’s going to get in people’s faces when he has to.

“On the other side, he’s good in the room. He pushes people and makes sure everybody is prepared each and every night. His best hockey usually comes in the last 20 games of the season and into the playoffs. He really recognizes that’s when you have to be your best.”

Since Keane joined the Moose during the 2005/06 season, he’s always said he would know when the time was right to walk away.

The right-winger isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, so don’t be surprised if he sticks around for a few more years.

Keane would like another ring to add to his collection and realizes what a Calder Cup would mean to his hometown as well.

“It would be right up there with the Stanley Cup,” said Keane, who had eight goals and 25 points in 59 games. “People might think I’m (lying) but I wouldn’t be playing if it wasn’t for the right reasons. The only reason I’m playing is to try and win a championship. It would be a fantastic thing, not only for the players in the room and the organization but for the city.”

MOOSE NOTES:
The Moose were relatively quiet at the AHL clear-day deadline, making only one move that brought them forward Derek Nesbitt on assignment from the Phoenix Coyotes and sent third goalie Karl Goehring to the San Antonio Rampage. However, the roster received a boost in February when the Canucks acquired physical defenceman Nathan McIver from the Anaheim Ducks in a deal for right-winger Mike Brown. McIver had one assist in 18 games with the Ducks this season and will play a valuable role for the Moose as a shutdown defender. Left-winger Michael Grabner suited up for Austria during the 2010 Olympic qualifying tournament in Hannover, Germany, but his team finished second to the Germany and won’t be in Vancouver next February.
With 15 games left in the AHL season, the Canucks first-round pick in 2006 (14th overall) had already established a new career high in goals with 24...Right-winger Michel Ouellet opted for season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder on Mar. 13. He finished the campaign with 13 goals and 40 points in 46 games with the Moose and will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1.