Austin Smith Q&A

Austin Smith is becoming one of the major faces of Hockey in the Southwest. Since he was drafted by the Dallas Stars back in 2007, he's in a very unique position where not only he could be one of the first Texans to play professionally, but be able to play a huge part of his pro career in Texas with the Dallas Stars and also the The team's AHL Affiliate in Austin where he can show his talent in his home state.

Shortly after he got drafted, he played his one and only year of Juniors with the Pentiction Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League. He made his time count there by being 2nd overall in scoring and lead the Vees in goals during the regular season with 32 goals in 60 games. Then he lead the Vees to the 2008 BCHL Title by scoring 22 points in 15 games.

Then through his first two seasons at Colgate where he as averaged nearly a point a game by scoring 72 points in 73 career NCAA Games where he been lucky not to get injured or have anything else get in his way of his NHL Dream. After losing to St. Lawrence in the ECAC Quarterfinals last season despite finishing in 4th place and getting a first Round Bye. The Raiders are looking to beat St. Lawrence as well as ECAC Powerhouses Cornell & Yale as the Colgate Raiders will look to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.

A speedy undersized player who has a dynamite scoring threat on the ice, he's going to take on the challenge of being a marked man for the Raiders who can fly on the ice. If he can help guide his team to the ECAC Title and continue to make major strides towards both a Conference Title and a NCAA Berth, as well as getting a chance to show the Stars that he is ready to make his pro debut (perhaps in Austin with the Texas Stars), then on to Dallas where he looks to possibly be the first Texan born and trained player to play in the National Hockey League in the near future.

He's starting to realize that he could be a possible game changer when it comes down to helping promote the sport here in Texas. Not only be playing so well in the BCHL & NCAA, but by someone who could spend a huge chunk of his pro career in Texas where fans can ID. and realize that players coming from Texas can start becoming a big reality.

In addition to Smith, Chris Brown of Flower Mound was a 2009 NHL Draft Pick of the Phoenix Coyotes and just started his sophomore year with Michigan University. Also coming down the pipe are Colin Jacobs who's playing his 2nd season with the Seattle Thunerbirds (WHL) and is being considered as a player who should go pretty high in the 2011 Draft next summer. Also Seth Jones who just recently made his debut for the USNTDP and many think he could be a big time prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft as well.

In the Q&A, Austin talks about his path to the Pros, learning about becoming a more complete player and teaching others about the benefits and the excitement of promoting the NCAA & Different Junior Leagues to others who have these dreams of their own. In addition, his reaction to Mike Modano leaving Dallas and what he misses the most about living in D/FW.


Here's his profiles and recent segments and stories.

Austin Smith's Colgate Profile

A-Z Inside College Hockey

Austin Smith named All Preseason ECAC

Austin Smith Pentiction Vess Profile from the BCHL


Here's the Austin Smith Q&A

1. Even though you are expected to be the main player for Colgate at least offensively this season, what will be the biggest challenge of being a marked man and who are you expecting to help you out as well?

The biggest challenge will be to staying focused and composed. However, I enjoy the challenge and I look forward to facing whetever obstacles I come up against. My team will help me get through it this year. I believe we are very deep and have good chemistry; we will have a very successful season as a team.


2. What was the biggest thing that contributed to your ECAC Conference Tournament Disappointment against St. Lawrence in the ECAC Conference Quarterfinals last year after finishing 4th and earning a first round bye last season?

I don't know if I can point to one thing in specific, but I think we came up against a hot goaltender and a team that had our number. With that being said I think our team this year is very determined and will use that as motivation to win our league and make it to the tournament.


3. As you enter your Junior Season at Colgate University, what's been the biggest thing that Head Coach Don Vaughan has taught you both on and off the ice and how it's affected your play?

He has taught me to keep my composure and he has helped me to keep my confidence throughout all parts of the season. He is a great teacher on the ice, and I have learned a great deal about playing both ends of the ice under his close watch. He is a great mentor and I have a great relationship with him that will carry beyond my years here at Colgate.


4. How far away are you from making your professional debut? Also, what are the biggest things you still need to work on before making the step from the NCAA to the Professional Ranks?

Making the jump is about confidence and preparation. I believe I'm very close to making that step, but at the same time I like to stay focus on the present and doing what I can here in the university to become a better all around player.


5. If you do end up playing for the Stars, how do you feel that this can be a major game changer on how the sport of hockey is promoted in the state of Texas. Not just for the Stars, but also educating fans and the public about the different junior leagues and the NCAA. In addition, helping out leagues and org. like the AT&T Metroplex HS Hockey League and Travel Teams like the Dallas Stars Elites.

It would help all those kids who have the dream to realize it is a reality. Being born and raised in Texas fellow Texans would be able to have someone to look up to, and say he made it so why can't I? More then anything it would be the inspiration, but at the end of the day I think Texas will see an increase in professional players in the near future.


6. Even though you weren't at Dallas Stars training camp that just wrapped up as the team gets ready to start the season, how much are you in contact with them to track your progress and have they mentioned to you about your chances of maybe at least getting some playing time with the Dallas Stars AHL Affiliate in Austin if you have another strong year this season?

I have a good relationship with the organization and I do keep in touch. But I am worried about at this time is being an impact player for Colgate, and when that time comes to make a decision I will reflect on my options when the time is appropriate.


7. Every time your back in Dallas, how much have you been involved in looking to promote the NCAA and different Junior Leagues to other players who may have a shot of making these levels themselves?

I do what I can to spread the word, and I have talked to a decent amount of players in the area giving my story and my take on it all. I hope for the best for the future of Texas Hockey I would love to see more players in the position that I am in.


8. For those of whom that have never heard of Colgate University, give us an idea of what the school is like and is known for academically? Also what its like to live and play in Up State New York over the last couple of years.

Colgate University is one of the top Universities in the country. Its comparable to the likes of Cornell, Princeton, Yale, etc. The campus is incredibly beautiful, and it is an awesome place to be. I enjoy playing up here and traveling around the ECAC. The only downfall would be the brutal winters and the bitter cold.


9. Who do you feel your biggest rival is in the ECAC and who are you looking to knock off in the Conference as the season is about to begin?

For some reason we haven't beaten St. Lawrence since I have been here; so those games will be of great importance this season. Our two biggest rivals this year will be Cornell and Yale. They are both very good teams that we would enjoy beating, and if we want to finish on top they will most likely be the teams to beat.


10. Is there a current NHL Player do you try to model your game after?

Andy McDonald


Quick Hits

With the State Fair of Texas going on, what do you think of Fried Foods like Deep Fried Chili Pie, Deep Fried Pop Tarts and Fried Beer?

HAHA I mean that they taste great, but they are not good for you... So I guess I have mixed emotions.


Celebrity that you would like to meet the most?

Keira Knightley or Josh Hamilton


Your reaction to Mike Modano leaving the Stars over the Offseason?

It's disappointing because he's done so much for the organization, but Joe knows what's best for the team and I respect the decision.


Other then family, the thing you miss the most about D/FW?

I miss the food the most. I love Mexican Food, barbecue, Chickfila, Chipotle, etc. New York can't offer the same quality of food.

Q&A with Dallas Stars Defensemen Jeff Woywitka

With the new season now underway for the Stars, Jeff Woywitka is a defensemen who for the most part has split a lot of his time between the St. Louis Blues and their AHL Affiliate in Illinois in the Peoria Rivermen. Last year was his first year with the Stars where he had a bit of a tough time adjusting the new enviorment where he can play well with just about anybody and become a stronger and more consistent presence on the ice.

He's looking to hook up with players like Tom Wandell and Karlis Skrastins to help provide some depth and to help out players like Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley as well.

In this Q&A, Woywitka talks about Training Camp, where he looks to improve and make a stronger impact. Also his love for Country Music and growing up in the Alberta Country side.


Here's the Q&A by Greg Ramiez of the Dallas Stars Website

Jeff Woywitka Profile


DS: How did you think training camp went and what expectations do you have for yourself this season?

Woywitka: "I thought training camp was good for me, the guys worked hard - it was a battle. For me, i've got something to prove this year. I didn't have the greatest of years last year, and was in and out of the lineup. So I wanted to come into this year and get into good shape, play harder, and be harder to play against myself.


DS: What improvement's did you make in the off-season and what role do you see yourself this season?

Woywitka: I've got to come in here and bring energy to the group. Every time I'm in there I want to do my job and be hard to play against. I thought I had a great summer getting myself faster, stronger, and more physically fit. I trained in Edmonton with a guy named Rocky Thompson. We went to the gym every day, got stronger, and quicker. I had a pretty good diet I was on and came into camp pretty lean.


DS: In your opinion, who is the most difficult player to defend against in the NHL?

Woywitka: I think they are a couple of guys. Datsyuk is so shifty, he's so hard to read. You think he's going this way, then he'll go the other way. You can't look at the puck with him. Obviously, Ovechkin and Crosby are tough, but we don't see them that much because they are in a different conference. In Chicago, you have Kane, you have Toews, you have some guys that can really make you look stupid as a defenseman if you are not prepared to battle with them.


DS: You are a country music fan, what triggered your love for country music?

Woywitka: Growing up in the country, on a farm, all you got on the tractors are the AM Music Stations. That was all country. I had no choice but to listen and become accustomed to that because of my lifestyle and the way I was brought up.


DS: Who are your favorite country artists? Who's the best to see in concert?

Woywitka: I like George Strait, Brad Paisley and Katy Perry. George Strait is probably the best in concert.


DS: Are they any up-and-coming country music artists that Stars fans should listen to?

Woywitka: Dean Brody is a good up and coming country artist. Easton Corbin is another good one, he's got some really good songs.

Q&A With Oklahoma City Barons Goalie Bryan Pitton

Mike Heika's Q&A with Jonathan Cheechoo

Jonathan Cheechoo has seen both the big time highs and the very lows of his career of late. One of the biggest examples was the season after the lockout where he was among the league leaders in goals with 56. However, the last two seasons have been problematic for him as he's been disappointing the last two years with the Ottawa Senators & San Jose Sharks as he has scored just 43 points in 127 games the last two seasons.

He was let go by the Senators just after the season ended and hasn't had much interest from anyone until the Stars will give him a shot to make the team in training camp.

He will be looking to get back to his prime where he has at least 20 goals in every year except for last year and his rookie year back in the 2002-2003 season. Many believe that he has been brought in to challenge Fabian Brunnstrom for a roster spot who has gone down here extremely fast since his strong rookie season, can he make an impact for the Stars when training camp begins in PEI later this week, only time will tell but he has a proven past and will look to fight every possible way to get back to his best year when he scored 56 goals in the 2005-2006 season.


Jonathan Cheechoo Profile

Here's the Jonathan Cheechoo Q&A that Mike Heika asked Cheechoo yesterday on the Dallas Morning News

Heika: Do you look back at the last two or three years and wonder what happened? You were traded, demoted to the minors and eventually bought out. How did you see that progression?

Cheechoo: "I don't know really. I just have to put it behind me and move forward. I've had probably the best summer of work I have had in a long long time, and i'm feeling really good, better then I have in a long time.

Heika: You have gone through a lot of surgeries, hernia, shoulder, knee... and are you healthy now?

Cheechoo: "I haven't had shoulder surgery just some problems with looseness there. I've had double hernia surgery and then with me knees I had both my MCL's done last year in San Jose. But everybody has injuries and now it's a matter of I feel healthy now. I didn't get hurt last year at all, I didn't miss any games, so I see that as a positive step. Now, I want to get out there and play. I'm excited about the chances here."

Heika: How did you get connected with Dallas?

Cheechoo: "They contacted me and let me know how interestred they were. They've always been a team that i've hated to play against, so I know it's not a team that's going to miss the playoffs often. I know they missed last year, but I know it's something they want to remedy and I hope I come in and help a bit."

Heika: Do you think this is a place where you could fit? They have a need for a right handed shot and you could end up playing on a line with Brendan Morrow and Mike Riberio.

Cheechoo: "It's definitely someplace where things feel like they can fall into the right place. The opportunity is there, now it's up to me to take advantage.

Heika: How can you do that?

Cheechoo: "I feel healthier, I'm hungry. I feel strong. I feel solid out there. A lot of my game is to protect the puck and get it to the guys who make the plays. I feel like I have that strength now. A lot of it is confidence, and when you lose confidence, you struggle to get it back. I'm just working hard on that and finding my shot. I built a shooting structure in my backyard and worked a lot of there. I'm just hoping it all pays off."

Heika: You had to really battle to get into the NHL the first time. Does that help you at a time like this?

Cheechoo: "Sure. I do feel its just a matter of putting your head into the right head to the grindstone and going at it, and I do feel I have done that this summer. Hopefully, I can prove people wrong and mainly just prove to myself that I can do it."

Heika: They're looking at you possibly getting a spot on a line with Mike Riberio. You know Riberio game pretty well. Do you think they could be chemistry there?

Cheechoo: "I think the coaches are looking for anything that works, so whoever works the best together, it will have to be natural. You can't force it. He buys so much time and gives you that extra second, and when you get that extra second, you have a chance to look to see where you want to put the puck. I know Joe Thornton did that, and he did that mostly with size, but Mike does it mostly with quickness. But it definitely could work. We'll see."

Fan Chat with Texas Stars Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson

Recently, fans got the chance to ask Texas Stars Defensemen Andrew Hutchinson in a fan chat earlier this week. Topics of this Fan Chat include his NHL Experience, winning the AHL Calder 2004 AHL Calder Cup with the Milwaukee Admirals, playing in OT and so much more.

Here's the Fan Q&A

How pleased are you with the success that the Stars have had this season, and in what areas do you feel in the org. still has room for growth? From Wayne in Austin

I think everyone has been pleasantly surprised with the support we have received in our first season. As far as the org. moving forward, I believe the team can be more involved in the community off the ice, growing the game in the area and expanding the fan base.


When you first breaking into professional hockey, did you try to model your game after anyone that you enjoyed watching growing up, and if so, why? From Bill in Peoria, Illinois

I don't know if I modeled my game after any specific person. I really enjoyed watching the Red Wings while growing up in the Detroit Area. I have always been a fan of Nicklas Lindstrom and Steve Yzerman. Lindstrom is one of the best D-Men of his era and Steve Yzerman was one of my favorites. I really enjoyed watching them as a kid.


Have you been able to use your previous championship experience this spring to act as a sort of teacher to some of the younger players on your team? Jared from Oxford, Mass.

I really didn't consider myself as a teacher to the younger guys on this team. I try to add my two cents when I feel I can help. More or less, I just want to lead by example. We have a great group of veterans here in Texas, so I don't think it falls on one guy. We collectively lead as a group.


Describe what it was like to be a part of a Calder Cup Winning team in Milwaukee in 2004 and then two years later, being part of a Stanley Cup winning team in Carolina? Tim from Raleigh, N.C.

They were both amazing experiences. Anytime you win a championship at any level. It is a special moment that you remember for the rest of your life. I made life long friends in both places. I fell very fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time.


Has playing on a strong defensive team like Texas made this season any extra enjoyable for you? George from Austin

Our system has proved to be successful and help us win games this season. It makes coming to the rink fun everyday when you are winning games regardless of what style you play.


Has the team had to make any adjustments as this series against Chicago has progressed? Luke from Austin

You make minor adjustments as the series moves forward. We've have a lot of success with our system and we don't feel the need to make any major changes. Of course, that can always change as the series progresses.


As a fan, watching playoff Overtime Hockey is about as tense as it gets.... Describe what its like for players out on the ice during Overtime. Kevin from Boston

Playoff hockey is intense to begin with and the added element of overtime hockey adds a lot more pressure to every shift. It's actually easier being on the ice then on the bench. Watching is even harder. Everybody knows one goal can change a series and in overtime you never know when that goal is going to come.


What typically goes on in the locker room in the intermission before overtime in a playoff game, or between overtimes if the game keeps going? Is their much strategizing or is it more of an opportunity to get some rest? Julie from Austin

Everyone usually has a standard routine during the intermission break. It doesn't matter if it is overtime or just a regular intermission, it's all the same. I personally spend the time resting and trying to get hydrated. Coach may come in and talk a bit, but not always to strategize.


What was your greatest obstacle going into your professional career, and how did you get by and be successful? Daniel from Pictou County, Nova Scotia

My great obstacle is the same as what everyone else had to deal with on their path to the NHL. There are only so many roster spots and we all have to work our way into a position for a regular job in the National Hockey League. There are a lot of very good players from all over the world playing in the NHL and roster space is limited.


You grew up, went to school, and started your pro career in the midwest, but since then you've lived in several different parts of the country. What is like being moved around so much? Blake from Pflugerville, Texas

I have enjoyed everywhere that I have lived. I consider myself fortunate to have played in some great cities. I've made good friends in all the cities that I have lived in. I have particularly enjoyed my last year and a half in Texas, between Dallas and Austin. My family has adjusted well to all the moves and really become fond of the greater Austin and Cedar Park Areas.


Within a team, what kind of deomgraphic rivalries common among players? For instance, Eastern Canadian VS. Western Canadian, Canadian VS. American, North American VS. European, veterans vs. rookies? Pflugerville, Texas

Everyone is proud of where they are from and we have players from all over North American, Finland and Russia. They may be small verbal jabs that go back in fourth for fun, but when it comes down to it all we all play for the same team. On the ice, we all look after each other and play for one another.


What kind of presence has Jamie Benn brought to your lineup since he came down for the Calder Cup Playoffs after spending the entire regular season in Dallas?

He is a highly skilled player that is coming off a great rookie season in Dallas. Jamie bring confidence into our locker room and the ability to make some great plays. He has fit in really well and he only makes the players around him better.


What are some of the things you like to do in the off-season? Jim from Chicago

I am an avid golfer and love to hit the links during the off-season. During the schedule our schedules are so hectic and I try to spend a lot of time with my family during the summer months. I also enjoy traveling and visiting friends. Most importantly, I rest up and start training for the following season.

Q&A With Indiana Ice Forward Blake Coleman

Blake Coleman is a rugged forward who's looking to help the Indiana Ice bring home the USHL Clark Cup Championship for the 2nd straight year. The forward who's from the Dallas Area of Suburb of Plano is having a pretty strong season as he started the season with the Tri-City Storm as he was mostly used as a set up man and was an important part of the PP where 7 of his 12 points with the Storm came on the PP.

Then back in December, he got traded from the Tri-City Storm to the Indiana Ice where he's starting to get more goal scoring chances and starting to improve his defense as well.

He has 27 points in 56 games played this season and will be looking to help bring the Ice their 2nd Straight Clark Cup and he also signed with Miami of Ohio University this season as he looks to bring a strong end to his junior career with a strong playoff run this spring.

In the Q&A I asked him about being traded, playing Cedar Rapids in the playoffs and why he choose the Miami of Ohio to play College Hockey.


Blake Coleman Player Profile: http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=3200319&seasonid=4429


Here's the Q&A

1. What the biggest adjustment you have had to make when you got traded from the Tri-City Storm to the Indiana Ice back in December.

Earning my spot on the team and respect of my teammates.

2. Even though you weren't their for the USHL Clark Cup Championship last year, what has the coaching staff been saying about winning a championship as an underdog with the Ice being the #3 seed in the East Division playoffs?

As you win the little battles and pay attention to small details you will win.

3. What part of your game needs to improve the most with the playoffs about to start and with you going to Miami of Ohio after your junior hockey career is over?

Making sure I'm solid defensively and stopping all the pucks.

4. What made you decide on going to Miami of Ohio for your hockey career? What is it the coaching staff, style of play, something you wanted to study, stuff behind the scenes?

It's a nice town, respectable programs, good coaches, and the girls didn't hurt either.

5. Is your team excited or not in your opinion that the Ice are going to play the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the opening round of the playoffs for the 2nd straight year?

Very Excited, because it's a team we will match up well with.

6. Best & Worst Part about living and playing in Indianapolis?

Best: Teamates and the Housing Worst: Gas used from so much driving.

7. Your favorite and most dreaded road trips in the USHL?

Best: Chicago Steel Worst: Lincoln Stars

8. Best way to get hyped up for a game?

Music

Q&A with Topeka Roadrunners Forward Erik Higby

After a long wait, the answers from a recent Q&A I did with Topeka Roadrunners Forward Erik Higby who's on the South Division Leading to advance to the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship and to knock out the St. Louis Bandits who's won both the Division & League Championship the last 3 years.

This season, Topeka's leading score is looking to be the NAHL Scoring Champion as he is just 2 points back of Michael Juola of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for the league scoring title. I also asked him about moving from Michigan to San Antonio and his current status on playing NCAA Hockey.

Also the teams chances of making the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament that will be taking place in Wenatchee, Washington coming up in May.

Topeka Roadrunners Player Profile: http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=3175958&seasonid=4527

Here's the Q&A with Erik Higby.

1. With your success this season, you still haven't committed on where you may play your NCAA Hockey Career. Can you give us an update on what your status is on this, and have you felt like you have been under the radar in your hockey career?

I have been speaking with quite a few schools and I should be reaching a decision shortly. I look forward to be playing at the next level. I do feel I'm under the radar screen, but a lot of my success is because I'm playing with a lot of talented players and we have worked well as a team.

2. Your currently just 2 points back of Micheal Juola of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for the League Scoring Lead. How much attention are you putting into winning the league's scoring title with just 5 games left this season.

At the time of responding to this I'am going into our second series against the St. Louis Bandits and I'm currently just 2 points back. However, i'm taking this one game at a time and hoping my team's success continues.

3. Let's assume your team will play the St. Louis Bandits for the South Division Title and a Robertson Cup Spot. With your experience with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms last year, how big will your experience to help put the Roadrunners playoff disappointment behind them when they lost to the Bandits in the South Division Final last season?

I hope my experience will be big for us this year and help us lead to the Robertson Cup Championship, but saying that we need a big team effort for the rest of the season.

4. When you found out you were moving to San Antonio in 2008. You mentioned in a recent story on the NAHL Website that "Down in San Antonio, I live close to an ice rink and there are a lot more hockey players then I was expecting," How were you feeling that your hockey career could continue at a high level living in Texas.

I was worried, but I was able to stay in shape during the summer months and skating with players that came from Division 1 Schools and Semi Pro Teams that now live in the San Antonio Area. That helped me prepare for the current season.

5. As a follow up, how has the fact that you have several Texas Based Teammates like Jacob Poe, Micheal Hill and Cooper Frederick helped you out in the transition in terms that players from Texas can play at a high level?

Hockey in Texas (Especially in the Dallas Area) has become such a popular sport, so I wasn't surprised that Texas would have so many talented players, and these guys have been great to play with this season.

6. With the Topeka Roadrunners having the league's best record right now. Do you think it's to the point that the expectations is making the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship or Bust?

This was our goal at the beginning of the season and hopefully we will be successful once playoff time comes next month.

7. If the Roadrunners do make the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship, who do you think could be your biggest competition to win the Championship this season?

Everyone will be competitive and will take every team seriously. I think our biggest test would be playing the Wenatchee Wild since their one of the top teams as well.

Q&A With Dallas Stars Goalie Kari Lethonen

Recently the Dallas Stars caught up with Goalie Kari Lehtonen on his recent trade from the Atlanta Thrashers. Also to get his thoughts with the role on the Stars, his recent back injury, starting to play in the Western Conference and his interests outside of hockey.

Kari Lehtonen Profile: http://stars.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470140

What was your reaction to the trade?

I was excited, but it was a new thing for me. I've never been traded before so it was a little bit of a weird feeling. At the same time, [where I was going to play] was kind of up in the air, so that helped my prepare for it. I had heard different stories that I might be traded, then I got the call from Dallas and I was really excited. It's great to have an opportunity with a team like this.

How is your back? Are you taking any precautions to prevent injury?

It's good, the training staff is really helping me. Before I go on the ice, I have to do a lot to get back warm and flexible. It's no problem on the ice at all. I can live normally which is nice because that's something I wasn't able to do last year.

How do you see the role with the Stars for this season and beyond?

I haven't really thought about it too much. I'm just really excited if I get some playing time, to get back and be a goalie again. I think it's a great situation here now with Marty and me. I believe we're both cape able of helping this team and I think that's a big key. There's so many games coming up; the rest of the year you basically play every other day. That is a lot for just one goalie to try to carry that work load.

You played with the Atlanta Thrashers in the Eastern Conference. What differences/changes are you anticipating now that you're in the Western Conference.

I think when you play the same teams all the time, as a goalie you get to know the shooters pretty well. It's going to take some time for me [to get to know the guys in the west] because I've never seen a lot of them play. I don't know how they shoot or pass. It will take a little bit, but it's also more exciting then playing the same teams all the time.

Who would you least want to face in a one-on-one situation?

There are a few guys. I think Alex Ovechkin has a pretty good record against me. I've played him a lot; we used to be in the same division. He's one of those guys that you try to keep your eye on all the time when he's on the ice. You have to just try and be ready to do something to stop his shots.

Do you have any superstitions?

Not really anymore. I used to be really particular with what I do on game days. Now, I just try to be ready at game time and go from there.

What is something non hockey related you are excited to see in Dallas?

I really like football, and this is exciting place for that. I want to go watch the Cowboys play at there new stadium. I also like all sorts of motor sports, so I want to go see some Nascar Races. I used to do that in Atlanta and would like to go to the racetrack here, too. I would like to learn more about what's out there. I really don't know too much yet about what kind of city Dallas is.