Q: How are you enjoying Dundee?
A: I’ve enjoyed my time in Dundee a lot, as a team I think we’re heading in the right direction and it’s been nice exploring a new city.
Q: How does it compare to other places you lived?
A: Obviously it’s very different from North America with the big cathedrals and the Castles but it’s something we don’t get to see back home.
Q: What’s the best part about living in Dundee?
A: There’s a lot to do here, we have a great mall and some good places to eat and the people are really nice.
Q: Do you have a second career off the ice or are you studying for anything?
A: I went to school in the US for Public Relations and Marketing and I’m working to finish my degree, it’s something I enjoy and can see myself doing once I’m done playing hockey.
Q: Is there anything you miss about your hometown?
A: I definitely miss spending time with friends and family.
Q: What is your favourite moment with the Stars so far?
A: I’ve only been here a month now but the one that sticks out is our win over Cardiff, they are a contender every year and it shows that we can compete with anyone in this league.
Q: What/Who made you want to play hockey?
A: I’d say my dad had a big role in that he played division one hockey in the US and won a national championship with Boston University, he was also my coach growing up and I think he had a major role in making me the player I am today.
Q: What is your pre-game meal and rituals?
A: I usually eat chicken and pasta and then go through the same stretching routine, and most importantly playing soccer with the guys.
Q: What’s the weirdest pre-game ritual you’ve seen?
A: Haven’t seen to many weird ones but I’ve played with guys who literally don’t do a single thing but sit in there stall with a cup of coffee until they have to get dressed.
Q: What do you do to drive yourself to get better every day/season?
A: In pro hockey there is always new guys coming in every year trying to take your job or ice time so I think that alone helps motivate me to keep my game at an elite level.
Q: Who is the best player you have played with?
A: James Neal is one of my best friends from back home, we played minor hockey together all the way up and since then he’s gone on to have 9 straight 20+ goal seasons in the NHL and even made it to the Stanley Cup final with Nashville last year.
Q: What is it like to play in the North American university leagues and having to manage hockey with your studies?
A: My 4 years of college hockey were probably the best 4 years of my life, there are times when time management is tough but it helps keep your organised and as long as you go to class and do the work you’ll be fine.
Q: How does the Elite League compare with other leagues you have played in?
A: I think it is very comparable to the ECHL and is getting better every year.
Q: How do you deal with the long travel journeys?
A: I usually spend the trips watching shows or movies and reading books. I’ve always had trouble sleeping on the bus so usually have to find other ways to kill time.
Q: What has been your favourite arena/city to play away in throughout your career?
A: I think Nottingham Arena the final weekend is one of the best atmospheres I have ever played in front of, the crowds here are so passionate and loud it’s a fun place to play hockey. Best city would have to be Boston, it’s an amazing city with so much to do its tops on my list.
Q: You are a familiar face in the Elite League. What made you want to come to across to this league? and now in your third EIHL season what brought you to the Dundee Stars?
A: When I first decided to come over it was for a new challenge as well as an opportunity to travel and see a new part of the world. Pacha had a big impact on me coming to Dundee, I was searching for somewhere to go and I’ve played with him and Levy (Lévesque) before. It was a good opportunity for me to come somewhere that I knew the league and a few guys on the team and it’s been a great fit so far.
Q: What NHL team did you grow up supporting?
A: Toronto Maple Leafs are my favourite team and I still watch a lot of their games and follow them very closely.
Q: What’s your favourite moment from your career?
A: Favourite moment from my career was probably my 3rd year of college we had a really good team, ranked number 1 in the nation and won 22 straight games. We won the conference title but lost in the final four but it was a special team to be a part of.
Q: Where do you want to be in 10 years?
A: I’d love to be working for a major company like Nike or Bauer on their PR and marketing side.
Q: What’s the best thing about the Dundee Stars fans?
A: I think the passion they bring to every match no matter how the team is doing they are always loud and supportive so it makes for a fun atmosphere for us to play in front of.
