Interview with Cal Ingraham November, 1996

by: Erik French
(11 years old)

Q: How did you get, started playing hockey?

A: I had 3 older brothers; they all played. I followed in their footsteps. Got their old skates and started skating on the ponds and stuff when I was about 5. I got into youth hockey programs. I grew to love it and just kept playing and here I am.

Q: Do you ever get nervous when you are playing hockey in front of so many people?

A: Maybe the first few times. I played at the University of Maine in college and we played in front of a lot of people. Playing in front of 7 to 8 thousand people you get a little nervous, but you get use to it.

Q: What do you like most about playing hockey?

A: The friends you make, being a part of a team and working with the guys, being around them all the time and doing things with them. I think the most fun about it is taking the 20 guys and trying to win something; you really get a lot of pride in that.

Q: If you played for the NHL and you could choose the team, which team would you want to play for?

A: Growing up around Boston I guess I'd have to say the Bruins. That would be my first choice.

Q: Is there anything you would change in your hockey career if you could start over?

A: That's a tough question. I'm pretty happy the way may career has gone. I maybe wouldn't set out that first year. All in all I've had a really fun and good trip. I don't think I'd change much.

Q: What would you like to do after you retire from hockey?

A: I'd love to try to stay in the game somehow as a coach or really anything. I think realistically I might like to get into a prep school and teach, maybe teach and coach.

I really enjoyed interviewing Cal. I have met cal several times before and think he is a very nice guy. What I like most about him is his team spirit. I also like when he plays hockey he plays hard, has fun, and most of all, tries not to get into fights (though some times he has to.) If I ever get to play professional hockey, I hope I can be like him.