February - 2009

Tory Olson and Brandon Rahn would like to thank Cal Clutterbuck
for the time he took to answer a few questions in what we hope will
be an ongoing relationship for future interviews!

1. You have filled a role the Wild have lacked for years, a consistent
checking forward, were you always a physical player or was this
something that developed late in your junior career?

No, Ive been playing this way since I can remember...but I used to score more.

2. Of current players in the league, who in your opinion has
the best combination of talent and toughness?

Its hard to say because the guys who have lots of talent rarely
fight but I would have to say Joe Thronton.

3. Does knowing you have "gotten" to a player add fuel to the fire
so to speak and spark you to agitate the situation further?
You are very good at drawing penalties out of guys!

I try not to talk too much, but I do sometimes. I think the physical
consistency is something that irritates other players more than anything.

4. On a recent coaches corner, Don Cherry called you "Buttercup"
for fighting with a visor on, do you have a response for Cherry?

Not really...I think people who know me know what Im about.
Im sure that any unbiased person watching the incidents
involved and the circumstances surrounding them will
agree that I really didn't do anything cowardly at all.

5. How has it been playing on a team with Owen Nolan, another guy
who combined toughness with talent? Has he been a good
mentor for the younger players on the Wild?

He's been really good for all of us younger guys,
He commands respect and when he speaks people listen.

6. How do you prepare for fights int he NHL? Review tapes? Player scouting?

I don't really...but maybe I should start?

7. Some people call you a pest, some an agitator, how would you define yourself?

Just a hard-working guy who plays the game the Canadian way.

8. Best feeling, a crushing open ice body check that levels your
opponent, or scoring in front of the home crowd at the X?

Pretty close but I think scoring wins. Not by much.

9. What sort of off season training do you do?

I do so many different things, I usually train 5 times a week.

10. Favorite meal?

Chicken wings at CC's Dugout in Welland, Ontario.

11. Do you have a favorite current or former NHLer?
If so, who is it and why are you such a fan?

Joe Sakic, because he's an awesome player and a total professional.