StuGrimson
03/03/07, 12:16 PM
Here is an email interview I conducted with Kris Newbury of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Its an interesting read for hockey and sports fans. He is a great guy, and I appreciate him taking the time to do this. The font may be pretty big because he responded through Word and I didnt feel like retyping everything. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks for doing this Kris, How is the concussion treating you these day? Any word on when you will be back in the line-up?
No problem buddy, concussions suck. This is my first real one, at least serious one and it’s a day-to-day process. Some days you feel great but even walking around or getting up can make you feel light headed. It’s like those commercials where they tell you the signs of a stroke. Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, dizziness, all the works. Luckily it’s just my head and not my heart. Getting to the point, there is no real timeline. Toronto has great medical staff and we are taking it day by day until we feel that the symptoms are gone. It kind of feels like you are drunk all the time, but not the fun drunk. The next morning where your head hurts and your stumbling out of bed drunk. If you saw that recent interview with Brendan Shanahan you would think he had about 15 beers for breakfast but nope, that’s a concussion.
Is this going to make you consider your role as a player, as in fighting when necessary or do you see yourself being reluctant, like Todd Fedoruk?
This happens, its part of the game and most players will get a concussion. If your afraid to play the game then its time to get out. Im 25, Im an energy player who works his ass off every game, and that leads to a spur of the moment fight or two to either defend a teammate, defend myself or to spark the team. If I eliminate that from my game, then I become useless on the ice. I could never cut fighting out, I feel bad for Fedoruk because he is a spark player and a real tough guy but he has had is face pretty much collapsed twice and I don’t question his reluctance. He is starting to get back in the groove these days though. I won’t cut out fighting but I would like to cut out getting knocked out cold in fights. You can’t win them all and you certainly can’t lose them all as badly as I lost that one.
Does it bother you that the anti fighting crowd uses your fight as an example of why it should not be part of the game?
The anti fighting crowd doesn’t understand the game. Sure players get hurt in fights, but players get hurt a lot worse in other parts of the game. The guys who rag on fighters are the guys who never played the game, never had to battle in the corners and never had a guy cheap shot their team-mates. Id like to tell Damien Cox to suit up and play a shift against the Ducks without Belak and Tucker on his wing then come back and write about how big of bone headed cavemen they are. The pro fighting crowd is a lot bigger than the anti fighting group, unfortunately the anti fighting group have numerous jobs on networks and in newspapers. If it didn’t bother me getting knocked out, why should it bother a guy sitting at a desk who it has no impact on?
I would assume you saw the game last night involving the Cam Janssen hit on Kaberle. What are your thoughts on that and how it was handled?
That stuff makes me sick, having to watch your friend being knocked out cold by a dirty hit. That was very late, he was jumping and it was an elbow. As Harry Neale said he was 3 for 3 on penalties on that play and instead got zero. Im not going to rip into the refs, but you have to be held accountable for that. I understand players not coming in to tear Janssens head off. It was a hard angle to see, and at that time it’s more important to make sure Kaberle is okay then it is to attack Janssen. I understand he didn’t play another shift the rest of the game, I hope that was Juliens way of punishing him and I respect that. We needed to win that game, taking dumb penalties and getting off our game to go vigilantly style wasn’t going to do that. We will see them again, and I hope I will be in the line-up. I had respect for the way Cam plays the game but his actions, of just standing to the side trying to make himself look like he did nothing wrong and yelling at Darcy Tucker are inexcusable. Be a man, admit you made a mistake. He wouldn’t even do that in the post game interviews. I wish he had of been the one over there making sure Kaberle was okay, not Colin White. I respect Colin White a lot, he showed his true colors coming to Kaberles aid and helping the medical staff on the ice, while unfortunately Janssen showed his by standing back and trying to justify his hit to his team-mates. The Buffalo Ottawa game is a mix of what I like and don’t like. I love the guys coming to the aid of your team-mates, but come on don’t take out your anger on Chris Neil by going after Heatley and Spezza two of the best players in the game. Be a man and deal with Neil. Im glad nobody got hurt, and it was very entertaining.
What was the path to the NHL like for you, is it something you always thought you would do with your life?
I grew up in Brampton, as you know its basically a suburb of Toronto, if you didn’t play hockey you really didn’t do anything. I was a good player, led local leagues in scoring and then eventually got drafted to the Belleville Bulls of the OHL. First year in the league was a huge adjustment. I was 16 playing against guys way bigger and way more skilled. I was a fish out of water. I only put up14 points in my first year and thought I was playing well really. It was just tough to get ice time as a 16 year old. You go from dominating local leagues to being a fourth liner the next year getting hardly any ice time. It was definitely an adjustment. We made it to the Memorial Cup that year, unfortunately losing in the semis to Ottawa, the eventual champs. It was an experience Ill never forget. Winning the OHL title in my first year and then going to the Mem Cup. I was like a kid in a candy store that whole year. I never really felt comfortable about my game until I got to Sarnia. I became that power forward type, even putting up more than 100 points one year and then 92 the next year. I felt like I was ready to make the next step, which I had never thought I would early in my career.
Did you find yourself needing to fight in junior to make a name for yourself?
Its funny because I never really become a fighter until I became a skilled player. I hardly ever fought in Belleville but once I went to Sarnia, got more ice time and started finding my game that’s when I figured I could be a great power forward type. I put up 1.5 points a game and 2 PIMS a game for a couple years in Sarnia. It helps to be able to defend yourself in the OHL because these guys all have the same goal so they play hard every night and that means emotion and of course a lot of emotion and intensity leads to a scrap or two. If I didn’t know how to handle myself physically I don’t think I would have been successful.
In juniors you played with quite a few guys that are currently in the NHL. Anyone stand out for you as being a guy you knew was going to be a star?
I played with Jonathan Cheechoo and we all saw what he could do. The guy had it all and I knew he would be awesome. A guy who I thought would make it was Justin Papineau. I hope he gets another chance someday, he was as skilled as they come. Who else have I played with I might have to look this up. My current teammate Kyle Wellwood was awesome and Im glad he is playing so well this year, unfortunately he is on the shelf right now with me. Im looking at hockeydb right now to see who else I played with, this concussion is hurting my memory haha. Mike Van Ryn, Branislav Mezei, Branko Radijoveh.( I wont even try to spell that one) Dan Fritsche too, watch out for him I see him breaking out someday.
Did you always want to play OHL or was NCAA an option for you?
NCAA was never even a thought. My game was not suited for that style. You have to be small and quick. There is really no physical play and the stickwork and slashing in NCAA is brutal. I wouldn’t be able to restrain myself with all the shit that goes on down there. Very skilled players, but at the same time a lot of fringe guys who are just there for the free or cheap education. I see the NCAA slowly turning around these days, its not bad at all now. As I said when I played the respect between guys just wasn’t there. I still wouldn’t play there though. A lot of players don’t understand that you get an education package from OHL teams to cover university costs. Its not like if you chose the OHL you are giving up on education. In my opinion it’s the most exciting hockey in the world next to the NHL and I owe everything I have to the OHL
You were drafted by San Jose in the 5th round, generally players taken around that time don’t make it to the NHL, were you assuming it was time to find another career or did San Jose have a plan for you?
San Jose had no plan for me. Luckily I had the option of playing 1 more year of junior so I could show off to the Sharks that I was a good player, or basically audition for other teams. I played my ass off that year. I put up 92 points, was a plus 36 and put up 150 PIMS. I felt that warranted me a spot in the AHL the next year. The Sharks didn’t agree and pretty much released me. It didn’t make sense to me or my family and luckily it didn’t make sense the Leafs, my dream came true and the Maple Leafs signed me just before the 2003-2004 season.
What was it like becoming a Leaf and did you think you would eve make it to the NHL with the team?
It was a dream come true. Anybody growing up where I did wanted to be a Leaf. Not many people get to do it and I was proud. My first year in the AHL was a struggle. I had to fight and play tough to earn a spot in the lineup because I was not producing. The next year I even was sent down to the ECHL which is a dumping ground for players that aren’t going to make the NHL. My confidence was shot. Even when I played in the AHL that year, I put up terrible numbers. I felt like I was getting close to leaving the game. I am a proud guy and didn’t want to toiling away in the Southern US playing for a team nobody cares about. At least in the AHL you can make a good living, but other leagues you have to work another job just to get by. I didn’t want to do that. I worked hard in the 2004-2005 season. The NHL lockout helped me as I got a chance to play with guys like Matt Stajan and Kyle Wellwood and really see how NHL caliber players play. I put up 60 points and 215 penalty minutes that year. I was so confident and I was making my name as a tough player who could score. I was even voted the hardest working guy in the AHL by my peers (of course this is a newspaper poll so who knows the accuracy) Finally this season came around and I was leading the Marlies in scoring and with the Leafs having so many injuries I got the call to the big club. Scored my first NHL goal on New Years Day and here we are today, I am a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Every time I saw that or write that I smile and have to pinch myself to see whether its true or not. I am happy with where I am, but I know I can be a better player and solidify a starting job with the team next year. Im not here for the money, the fame or anything but to play the game I love for the team I love.
Whats it like going from making no money in the OHL, to a respectable living in the AHL to making hundreds of thousands and potentially millions in the NHL?
Money doesn’t mean much to me. It means I don’t have to live day to day and paycheque to paycheque and live in a nice condo, being able to drink Alexander Keiths instead of Molson Export, driving a reliable car instead of a 1992 Ford Festiva. That’s whats important to me. Success and money are two different things. Success is mental and money is physical. I think I am successful, therefore I am. Yes I could potentially be making millions some day. That doesn’t change who I am and who my friends are, that doesn’t keep me from spending nights home alone watching South Park and eating Taco Bell. I am who I am and will always be. Yes I make 400 grand more this year then I did last year. So what? My parents topped out at about 60 grand each a year and they were the happiest people I ever knew. I am happy playing hockey, money is a perk. That being said I am very grateful for what I have.
What is the main difference between the AHL and NHL?
The NHL obviously is more skilled and everybody wants to be there and has generally worked there ass off to get there. In the AHL who have a mixed bag. The guys who are young and still have NHL aspirations, the guys who have been in the NHL and either want to get back, or are just playing out their careers and the guys who just play hockey for a paycheque and have no aspirations. Its tough seeing guys get called up ahead of you when you know you are producing more. Its also tough to watch guys like Brad Brown who should be playing in the NHL. Hell, he is a former NHL captain. It makes the transition easier having both teams play in Toronto, I can get called up or sent down and not have to leave my home.
What are your other interests, other sports, music, activities that keep you busy?
I golf a lot, I watch football and basketball and baseball. I have the sports package so I watch practically every sporting event on TV. Even darts. I love music, recently got into a great band called Set Your Goals. I like the harder stuff. You could say I like punk music like Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise but I have a soft spot for John Cougar Mellancamp. I made some friends on the Jays, Reed Johnson and I like to go to concerts and bars together.
What kind of music do you use to pump yourself up? Who gets to choose the music in the dressing room and what do they generally pick?\
I don’t know why but I generally like music with horns before games. I listen to Less Than Jake and the Mad Caddies, don’t know if your familiar with those bands. My favourite pump up song is probably the remix of Bridge And Tunnel Authority by Less Than Jake. Its fun and has kind of a techno beat to it. Usually the vets get to pick the tunes, guys like Brad Brown and Brad Leeb for the Marlies and Tucker and Sundin for the Leafs. Sundin listens to this weird shit, it was like classic rock Swedish techno. Like Abba meets CCR. Brad Brown listens to country and one time we let Andrew Raycroft pick the tunes and he went with the J Geils band. I hope it was a joke because listening to “Angel is a Centrefold’ doesn’t pump me up for a game. I got to pick the game after my first goal and went with some Loverboy of course. If I put on LTJ the old guys would probably have a fit. Tucker appreciates good fast punk too. Same with Wade Belak.
What is it like playing hockey in Toronto, with all the media attention, is it difficult?
I knew what I was getting into. Im not that high on the priority list but it can still be a distraction. Ive heard from many people from the Jays and Raptors that ask how we can put up with this. Being a Maple Leaf is similar to being a Yankee when it comes to the media being on your every move.
Who do you think made the best moves at the trade deadline? Any Cup favourites, other than the Leafs of course.
Perrault is a great asset for us. We needed help with offense and faceoffs and he brings that. Im happy to have him a long. Ryan Smyth to the Isles was great for them. Hopefully this brews some excitement up over there for the team. I think they will take a spot in the playoffs and its down to the Leafs, Montreal and Carolina for that last spot. I like our chances. Both Montreal and Carolina are going down hill it seems. Hopefully that win last night picks up our game, it could be a motivator. In the west I like Anaheim, I like the way they play and Brian Burkes take no shit attitude but I don’t see them taking the Cup this year. For the Cup favourite (other than us of course) I would have to go with Calgary. I love their team and their style.
Whats it like playing with Mats Sundin and guys you probably idolized as a younger player, also who was your favourite player growing up?
Sundin is just awesome, an all around talent and great guy. He is the face of sports in Toronto and he relishes it. The guy loves the city and the fans and is a treat to be around. I always ask him tips on wrist shots and snap shots as he has one of the best. I hope he sticks around for many years because I and so many others can learn so much from him. My favourite player growing up was Doug Gilmour by far, also Wendel Clark too.
What do you think of the future of the game, from a players prospective. How do you see hockey progressing in the US?
I love the game and think its great, I would like them to be a little more lenient on penalities and I do hear they may make some changes to the instigator, personally I say get rid of it altogether. The pace is good and the skill is awesome, and there are plenty of great young players. I think the US will pick up the game more when there are more great American players. Right now the crop is pretty limited but when guys like Erik Johnson and Jack Johnson come up and I think Patrick Kane in the OHL will be a great player, hockey looks strong. I think Americans sometimes have trouble rooting for non Americans, so at least these guys give them a chance.
Any advice for young kids or anyone wanting to pursue a career in hockey or any sport?
As they say in the entertainment world be nice to everybody it works similar in hockey. Always work you ass off because you never know who is watching. From the lowest level of hockey up to the highest there is always somebody watching who can make or break your career. If your not good at offence work on your defence and become a great defenseman. If you are a physical guy who is capable in your own end the skys the limit. If your defense sucks work hard to fix it or else your not going to make it. Always play your hardest and be a good team-mate, if your team respects you that enhances your reputation right there. Look at Eric Perrin on Tampa, the guy pretty much wrote off his career but because he impressed Vinny Lecavalier so much in juniors Vinny got him a spot on the Tampa roster. Just work hard and know that it’s a long tough journey to make it professionally and don’t be upset if you don’t make it, you at least get to play the game you love at a skill level that is still higher than most. Love the game and respect it and your fellow players.
Thanks so much for doing this, look forward to talking to you again sometime and good luck getting healthy!
Anytime buddy, Im a man of the people and appreciate the interest. Good luck in your career as well and hope to hear from you again.
Thanks for doing this Kris, How is the concussion treating you these day? Any word on when you will be back in the line-up?
No problem buddy, concussions suck. This is my first real one, at least serious one and it’s a day-to-day process. Some days you feel great but even walking around or getting up can make you feel light headed. It’s like those commercials where they tell you the signs of a stroke. Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, dizziness, all the works. Luckily it’s just my head and not my heart. Getting to the point, there is no real timeline. Toronto has great medical staff and we are taking it day by day until we feel that the symptoms are gone. It kind of feels like you are drunk all the time, but not the fun drunk. The next morning where your head hurts and your stumbling out of bed drunk. If you saw that recent interview with Brendan Shanahan you would think he had about 15 beers for breakfast but nope, that’s a concussion.
Is this going to make you consider your role as a player, as in fighting when necessary or do you see yourself being reluctant, like Todd Fedoruk?
This happens, its part of the game and most players will get a concussion. If your afraid to play the game then its time to get out. Im 25, Im an energy player who works his ass off every game, and that leads to a spur of the moment fight or two to either defend a teammate, defend myself or to spark the team. If I eliminate that from my game, then I become useless on the ice. I could never cut fighting out, I feel bad for Fedoruk because he is a spark player and a real tough guy but he has had is face pretty much collapsed twice and I don’t question his reluctance. He is starting to get back in the groove these days though. I won’t cut out fighting but I would like to cut out getting knocked out cold in fights. You can’t win them all and you certainly can’t lose them all as badly as I lost that one.
Does it bother you that the anti fighting crowd uses your fight as an example of why it should not be part of the game?
The anti fighting crowd doesn’t understand the game. Sure players get hurt in fights, but players get hurt a lot worse in other parts of the game. The guys who rag on fighters are the guys who never played the game, never had to battle in the corners and never had a guy cheap shot their team-mates. Id like to tell Damien Cox to suit up and play a shift against the Ducks without Belak and Tucker on his wing then come back and write about how big of bone headed cavemen they are. The pro fighting crowd is a lot bigger than the anti fighting group, unfortunately the anti fighting group have numerous jobs on networks and in newspapers. If it didn’t bother me getting knocked out, why should it bother a guy sitting at a desk who it has no impact on?
I would assume you saw the game last night involving the Cam Janssen hit on Kaberle. What are your thoughts on that and how it was handled?
That stuff makes me sick, having to watch your friend being knocked out cold by a dirty hit. That was very late, he was jumping and it was an elbow. As Harry Neale said he was 3 for 3 on penalties on that play and instead got zero. Im not going to rip into the refs, but you have to be held accountable for that. I understand players not coming in to tear Janssens head off. It was a hard angle to see, and at that time it’s more important to make sure Kaberle is okay then it is to attack Janssen. I understand he didn’t play another shift the rest of the game, I hope that was Juliens way of punishing him and I respect that. We needed to win that game, taking dumb penalties and getting off our game to go vigilantly style wasn’t going to do that. We will see them again, and I hope I will be in the line-up. I had respect for the way Cam plays the game but his actions, of just standing to the side trying to make himself look like he did nothing wrong and yelling at Darcy Tucker are inexcusable. Be a man, admit you made a mistake. He wouldn’t even do that in the post game interviews. I wish he had of been the one over there making sure Kaberle was okay, not Colin White. I respect Colin White a lot, he showed his true colors coming to Kaberles aid and helping the medical staff on the ice, while unfortunately Janssen showed his by standing back and trying to justify his hit to his team-mates. The Buffalo Ottawa game is a mix of what I like and don’t like. I love the guys coming to the aid of your team-mates, but come on don’t take out your anger on Chris Neil by going after Heatley and Spezza two of the best players in the game. Be a man and deal with Neil. Im glad nobody got hurt, and it was very entertaining.
What was the path to the NHL like for you, is it something you always thought you would do with your life?
I grew up in Brampton, as you know its basically a suburb of Toronto, if you didn’t play hockey you really didn’t do anything. I was a good player, led local leagues in scoring and then eventually got drafted to the Belleville Bulls of the OHL. First year in the league was a huge adjustment. I was 16 playing against guys way bigger and way more skilled. I was a fish out of water. I only put up14 points in my first year and thought I was playing well really. It was just tough to get ice time as a 16 year old. You go from dominating local leagues to being a fourth liner the next year getting hardly any ice time. It was definitely an adjustment. We made it to the Memorial Cup that year, unfortunately losing in the semis to Ottawa, the eventual champs. It was an experience Ill never forget. Winning the OHL title in my first year and then going to the Mem Cup. I was like a kid in a candy store that whole year. I never really felt comfortable about my game until I got to Sarnia. I became that power forward type, even putting up more than 100 points one year and then 92 the next year. I felt like I was ready to make the next step, which I had never thought I would early in my career.
Did you find yourself needing to fight in junior to make a name for yourself?
Its funny because I never really become a fighter until I became a skilled player. I hardly ever fought in Belleville but once I went to Sarnia, got more ice time and started finding my game that’s when I figured I could be a great power forward type. I put up 1.5 points a game and 2 PIMS a game for a couple years in Sarnia. It helps to be able to defend yourself in the OHL because these guys all have the same goal so they play hard every night and that means emotion and of course a lot of emotion and intensity leads to a scrap or two. If I didn’t know how to handle myself physically I don’t think I would have been successful.
In juniors you played with quite a few guys that are currently in the NHL. Anyone stand out for you as being a guy you knew was going to be a star?
I played with Jonathan Cheechoo and we all saw what he could do. The guy had it all and I knew he would be awesome. A guy who I thought would make it was Justin Papineau. I hope he gets another chance someday, he was as skilled as they come. Who else have I played with I might have to look this up. My current teammate Kyle Wellwood was awesome and Im glad he is playing so well this year, unfortunately he is on the shelf right now with me. Im looking at hockeydb right now to see who else I played with, this concussion is hurting my memory haha. Mike Van Ryn, Branislav Mezei, Branko Radijoveh.( I wont even try to spell that one) Dan Fritsche too, watch out for him I see him breaking out someday.
Did you always want to play OHL or was NCAA an option for you?
NCAA was never even a thought. My game was not suited for that style. You have to be small and quick. There is really no physical play and the stickwork and slashing in NCAA is brutal. I wouldn’t be able to restrain myself with all the shit that goes on down there. Very skilled players, but at the same time a lot of fringe guys who are just there for the free or cheap education. I see the NCAA slowly turning around these days, its not bad at all now. As I said when I played the respect between guys just wasn’t there. I still wouldn’t play there though. A lot of players don’t understand that you get an education package from OHL teams to cover university costs. Its not like if you chose the OHL you are giving up on education. In my opinion it’s the most exciting hockey in the world next to the NHL and I owe everything I have to the OHL
You were drafted by San Jose in the 5th round, generally players taken around that time don’t make it to the NHL, were you assuming it was time to find another career or did San Jose have a plan for you?
San Jose had no plan for me. Luckily I had the option of playing 1 more year of junior so I could show off to the Sharks that I was a good player, or basically audition for other teams. I played my ass off that year. I put up 92 points, was a plus 36 and put up 150 PIMS. I felt that warranted me a spot in the AHL the next year. The Sharks didn’t agree and pretty much released me. It didn’t make sense to me or my family and luckily it didn’t make sense the Leafs, my dream came true and the Maple Leafs signed me just before the 2003-2004 season.
What was it like becoming a Leaf and did you think you would eve make it to the NHL with the team?
It was a dream come true. Anybody growing up where I did wanted to be a Leaf. Not many people get to do it and I was proud. My first year in the AHL was a struggle. I had to fight and play tough to earn a spot in the lineup because I was not producing. The next year I even was sent down to the ECHL which is a dumping ground for players that aren’t going to make the NHL. My confidence was shot. Even when I played in the AHL that year, I put up terrible numbers. I felt like I was getting close to leaving the game. I am a proud guy and didn’t want to toiling away in the Southern US playing for a team nobody cares about. At least in the AHL you can make a good living, but other leagues you have to work another job just to get by. I didn’t want to do that. I worked hard in the 2004-2005 season. The NHL lockout helped me as I got a chance to play with guys like Matt Stajan and Kyle Wellwood and really see how NHL caliber players play. I put up 60 points and 215 penalty minutes that year. I was so confident and I was making my name as a tough player who could score. I was even voted the hardest working guy in the AHL by my peers (of course this is a newspaper poll so who knows the accuracy) Finally this season came around and I was leading the Marlies in scoring and with the Leafs having so many injuries I got the call to the big club. Scored my first NHL goal on New Years Day and here we are today, I am a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Every time I saw that or write that I smile and have to pinch myself to see whether its true or not. I am happy with where I am, but I know I can be a better player and solidify a starting job with the team next year. Im not here for the money, the fame or anything but to play the game I love for the team I love.
Whats it like going from making no money in the OHL, to a respectable living in the AHL to making hundreds of thousands and potentially millions in the NHL?
Money doesn’t mean much to me. It means I don’t have to live day to day and paycheque to paycheque and live in a nice condo, being able to drink Alexander Keiths instead of Molson Export, driving a reliable car instead of a 1992 Ford Festiva. That’s whats important to me. Success and money are two different things. Success is mental and money is physical. I think I am successful, therefore I am. Yes I could potentially be making millions some day. That doesn’t change who I am and who my friends are, that doesn’t keep me from spending nights home alone watching South Park and eating Taco Bell. I am who I am and will always be. Yes I make 400 grand more this year then I did last year. So what? My parents topped out at about 60 grand each a year and they were the happiest people I ever knew. I am happy playing hockey, money is a perk. That being said I am very grateful for what I have.
What is the main difference between the AHL and NHL?
The NHL obviously is more skilled and everybody wants to be there and has generally worked there ass off to get there. In the AHL who have a mixed bag. The guys who are young and still have NHL aspirations, the guys who have been in the NHL and either want to get back, or are just playing out their careers and the guys who just play hockey for a paycheque and have no aspirations. Its tough seeing guys get called up ahead of you when you know you are producing more. Its also tough to watch guys like Brad Brown who should be playing in the NHL. Hell, he is a former NHL captain. It makes the transition easier having both teams play in Toronto, I can get called up or sent down and not have to leave my home.
What are your other interests, other sports, music, activities that keep you busy?
I golf a lot, I watch football and basketball and baseball. I have the sports package so I watch practically every sporting event on TV. Even darts. I love music, recently got into a great band called Set Your Goals. I like the harder stuff. You could say I like punk music like Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise but I have a soft spot for John Cougar Mellancamp. I made some friends on the Jays, Reed Johnson and I like to go to concerts and bars together.
What kind of music do you use to pump yourself up? Who gets to choose the music in the dressing room and what do they generally pick?\
I don’t know why but I generally like music with horns before games. I listen to Less Than Jake and the Mad Caddies, don’t know if your familiar with those bands. My favourite pump up song is probably the remix of Bridge And Tunnel Authority by Less Than Jake. Its fun and has kind of a techno beat to it. Usually the vets get to pick the tunes, guys like Brad Brown and Brad Leeb for the Marlies and Tucker and Sundin for the Leafs. Sundin listens to this weird shit, it was like classic rock Swedish techno. Like Abba meets CCR. Brad Brown listens to country and one time we let Andrew Raycroft pick the tunes and he went with the J Geils band. I hope it was a joke because listening to “Angel is a Centrefold’ doesn’t pump me up for a game. I got to pick the game after my first goal and went with some Loverboy of course. If I put on LTJ the old guys would probably have a fit. Tucker appreciates good fast punk too. Same with Wade Belak.
What is it like playing hockey in Toronto, with all the media attention, is it difficult?
I knew what I was getting into. Im not that high on the priority list but it can still be a distraction. Ive heard from many people from the Jays and Raptors that ask how we can put up with this. Being a Maple Leaf is similar to being a Yankee when it comes to the media being on your every move.
Who do you think made the best moves at the trade deadline? Any Cup favourites, other than the Leafs of course.
Perrault is a great asset for us. We needed help with offense and faceoffs and he brings that. Im happy to have him a long. Ryan Smyth to the Isles was great for them. Hopefully this brews some excitement up over there for the team. I think they will take a spot in the playoffs and its down to the Leafs, Montreal and Carolina for that last spot. I like our chances. Both Montreal and Carolina are going down hill it seems. Hopefully that win last night picks up our game, it could be a motivator. In the west I like Anaheim, I like the way they play and Brian Burkes take no shit attitude but I don’t see them taking the Cup this year. For the Cup favourite (other than us of course) I would have to go with Calgary. I love their team and their style.
Whats it like playing with Mats Sundin and guys you probably idolized as a younger player, also who was your favourite player growing up?
Sundin is just awesome, an all around talent and great guy. He is the face of sports in Toronto and he relishes it. The guy loves the city and the fans and is a treat to be around. I always ask him tips on wrist shots and snap shots as he has one of the best. I hope he sticks around for many years because I and so many others can learn so much from him. My favourite player growing up was Doug Gilmour by far, also Wendel Clark too.
What do you think of the future of the game, from a players prospective. How do you see hockey progressing in the US?
I love the game and think its great, I would like them to be a little more lenient on penalities and I do hear they may make some changes to the instigator, personally I say get rid of it altogether. The pace is good and the skill is awesome, and there are plenty of great young players. I think the US will pick up the game more when there are more great American players. Right now the crop is pretty limited but when guys like Erik Johnson and Jack Johnson come up and I think Patrick Kane in the OHL will be a great player, hockey looks strong. I think Americans sometimes have trouble rooting for non Americans, so at least these guys give them a chance.
Any advice for young kids or anyone wanting to pursue a career in hockey or any sport?
As they say in the entertainment world be nice to everybody it works similar in hockey. Always work you ass off because you never know who is watching. From the lowest level of hockey up to the highest there is always somebody watching who can make or break your career. If your not good at offence work on your defence and become a great defenseman. If you are a physical guy who is capable in your own end the skys the limit. If your defense sucks work hard to fix it or else your not going to make it. Always play your hardest and be a good team-mate, if your team respects you that enhances your reputation right there. Look at Eric Perrin on Tampa, the guy pretty much wrote off his career but because he impressed Vinny Lecavalier so much in juniors Vinny got him a spot on the Tampa roster. Just work hard and know that it’s a long tough journey to make it professionally and don’t be upset if you don’t make it, you at least get to play the game you love at a skill level that is still higher than most. Love the game and respect it and your fellow players.
Thanks so much for doing this, look forward to talking to you again sometime and good luck getting healthy!
Anytime buddy, Im a man of the people and appreciate the interest. Good luck in your career as well and hope to hear from you again.