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Hale keeping things simple for Lightning

The Associated Press

David Hale, who brings a physical presence to the Lightning, faces his former team tonight in Phoenix.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 16, 2009

Updated: 11/16/2009 09:00 am

PHOENIX - When David Hale learned during the summer he had been traded for the second time in his career, his family didn't mind the change of locations.

Considering the first deal sent Hale, 28, from New Jersey to Calgary before he signed as a free agent with Phoenix, moving from the desert to the Gulf Coast of Florida meant limit climate change.

"I know my family was happy because we kept it sunny moving from Phoenix to here," Hale said.

Hale's career, however, didn't seem as bright. The former Devils first-round pick (2000) was about to join his fourth organization in four seasons and had never appeared in more than 65 games, that coming during his rookie season in 2003-04.

Last season in Phoenix, the 6-foot-2, 213-pound defenseman played in 43 games. When he was included in a deal that also sent Todd Fedoruk to the Lightning for Radim Vrbata, Hale was considered more of a throw-in to help offset some of the difference in salaries.

When training camp began, Hale might have been listed 11th or 12th on the depth chart, meaning his chances of making the team out of camp were remote, even with Tampa Bay carrying nine defensemen, something that was laid out to Hale when the trade happened.

"They told me, 'There are nine D going to be on the roster, come to camp and we'll see what happens,'" he said. "So they didn't beat around the bush. It was earn your spot."

Out of camp, Hale earned a spot on the roster - although not necessarily in the lineup as he was a healthy scratch to open the season. But once he got in, he's settled in nicely.

In 14 games, Hale has four assists, is a plus-three and has averaged 16 minutes of ice time while combining with Matt Walker to form a reliable pairing.

"He's just a real solid guy," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. "We didn't really know much about him coming in and he might have been a long shot to even make the top six. He didn't play early (but) he got his chance and he's been solid ever since."

For Hale, now it's all about maintaining that approach.

"I come into a camp every year no matter where I am and I try to just work hard to earn a spot, make sure you keep that spot and get better," he said. "That's it, keep it simple."

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at

(813) 259-7835.

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