Special thanks to Ryan for arranging and doing the
interview on my behalf and many thanks to Derek for
taking time to answer these questions.
1. Was this summer's trainign sessions in Minnesota
different from last year? Were you able to concentrate
on areas of your development that you thought needed
work?
It was pretty much the same, I just had to work on
seeing the open ice more. Mike Ramsey also said that I
had to work on my defensive game a little bit.
2. What kind of training did you receive with the pro
boxer?
Scott LeDoux and I worked on shadow boxing for three
rounds, hit the heavy bag for another three or four
rounds, the focus pads for another three or for rounds,
and then we sparred for about 6 or 7 rounds. That
routine happened pretty much everyday while I worked
with Scott.
3. The rookie tourney is right around the corner, your
fights and checks have earned you a reputation as
someone to watch out for, does that bother you or do
you like hearing that?
No, it doesn't bother me. It's a confidence booster to
have player's watching over their shoulder looking out
for me. It keeps them in check so they don't take
liberties with our skilled players.
4. If you were able to pick one enforcer from the past
of present that you would be able to square off with,
who would it be and why?
Right now it would be Laraque because he is considered
the toughest guy right now in the NHL.
5. You spent part of June working on conditioning in
St. Paul with Sly Blouin, did he offer up any
advice?
Yea, Sly and I worked out in June. It was a good
experience for myself just to see what it takes to move
up to the next level. That was pretty much all the
advice he gave me, just to work hard.