(1.) Hockey has always been an important family activity for you, both when you were young and now as a father. During this holiday season, when many families are gathering for pick-up games and playing hockey on their driveways – or if they’re lucky, on backyard ponds – can you share some of your own family hockey memories and your thoughts on the joy of playing hockey in its purest form?
My earliest memories were of playing Hockey, either outside on ice rinks, on a frozen pond, or if we were lucky enough, an indoor rink out of the wind and cold. I was also lucky to have a father who played professional Hockey, and I can remember being able to go with him to his practices and skating before his team went on the ice. However, I will never forget being able to go to the local outdoor corner ice rink, after school and playing shinny Hockey with my friends until dark.
(2.) The NHL is set to celebrate a return to hockey’s roots with the upcoming Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Can you share some of your own pond hockey and outdoor hockey memories and also your anticipation / expectations for the big game between the Flyers and the Bruins on New Year’s Day?
My entire minor Hockey was played on outdoor rinks until I was about 14. When I had a chance to play in the outdoor game in Edmonton against the Montreal Canadians, it seemed like my Hockey career had come full circle. There is something about playing hockey outside that invigorates the soul. I hope that all our kids have a chance to play at least some of their minor Hockey on the outdoor rinks.
I think the game in Boston will be another great day for the game of Hockey. The North East area of the United States has a long tradition of producing some of the game’s greatest players and continue to drive their minor league programs. It will be a day many parents, coaches, kids, and players will remember for a long time.
(3.) As the holiday season and the Winter Classic celebrate hockey’s deep traditions and rich history, what are your thoughts on the evolution of the game and hockey’s future? As the New Year approaches, what are some things you’re looking forward to in the game – both on the ice and off – in 2010?
I think the NHL is as healthy as we have seen it in a long time. We have felt the recession like every other enterprise, however, I think as a whole, we are coping very well. I also feel that we have as many bright young talented kids in the game as we have seen in a long time. It seems every team is boasting of a great young player. This is good news for the NHL, as the players drive the entertainment of our game.
I am really looking forward to the Olympics in Vancouver. The competition between Countries will be intense. Having the games played in Canada, where we have always had so much pride in our Hockey, should make for an incredible tournament. The game’s will be played with an extraordinary amount of talent, maybe the most in the history of our game.
