When did you first learn how to skate?
When I was five years old in Casper, Wyoming.
Do you have any brothers or sisters that are interested in hockey or that play hockey?
No, my little brother used to play but doesn't anymore.
Has your family been able to watch you play as a Tiger Shark?
Last year they came for a weekend. My mother and stepfather came last year for a weekend.
What do you like to do when you are not playing hockey?
During the season I work out, work on the computer or play golf.
Do you have any supersitions?
No.
Recently, you scored your first goal of the season; will you now take more shots from the point?
I certainly always try, it is a matter of hitting the net and not getting locked out.
You are now an alternate captain. How does a player achieve this status?
The team votes on alternate captains at the beginning of the season. I was 4th or 5th in voting at beginning of the year, and as players leave you move up. It's a young team and I am just one of the older guys.
What decisions does an alternate captain make, and are there any that only a captain can make?
There is not much difference. You are expected to take charge, discuss calls with the referees, but there is not really that much difference.
You have improved greatly over the last year. What do you contribute to your success?
I guess just the experience of playing. The more games you play, the more you get used to playing and more relaxed you become and the better you play.
What NHL team plays the kind of defense you like to play?
I don't watch enough NHL games to really have a favorite. They all play solid defense or they wouldn't be in the big show. You can learn by watching any NHL game.
Do you have a favorite player?
I wouldn't mind being Rob Blake or Chris Pronger or really any NHL defenseman.
Do different goalies in our net change your style of play?
Sometimes. Some goalies like to play the puck more than others do. That makes a difference when you are going back to make plays with the puck or bring it out.