The Hockey News

Status: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman.

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 223 pounds



DOB: November 13, 1984 In: White Rock, BC.

First Hockey Memory: "For me it's probably playing roller hockey or ball hockey in the street. Enjoying the game and bringing it to the ice. It was just a lot of fun playing with the kids from school."

Hockey Inspirations: "Hockey is so big at home. There are guys you looked up to - obviously players that played for your local team professionally inspired all the kids to play hockey and enjoy it. (Names?) Growing up I was a big Mario Lemieux fan."

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: "Cliff Ronning. Vancouver. At a hockey camp we did as a kid. And a couple of those guys showed up."

Greatest Sports Moment(s): "First NHL game was a big moment. And last year. The success that we had last year was a lot of fun and will stick out for a long time."

Most Painful Moment: "Could have been last year as well [smiles]."

Current Car: "I drive a black truck [smiles]."

Favorite Sport Outside Hockey: "Right now it's tough to engage in a lot of sports. Some of the water sports like paddle boarding. It's a little more leisurely. It's nice. Obviously golf is up there. Being on the water is nice. I think paddle boarding is pretty cool."

Favorite Rinks To Play: "Montreal. Vancouver. And New York (Rangers)."

Embarrassing Hockey Memory: "I think any time that you make a mistake or where it's really noticeable on you - either turn a puck over or get dangled. I think those are tough ones to overcome short term."

Strangest Game: "You know what? I feel anytime I'm playing with (Andrej) Sustr there's something strange or unusual that happened in my career. Every game with him is something new [smiles]. (Any particular examples?) Yep. There's numerous particular examples. I didn't think that a guy could stickhandle without a puck for five feet. For a couple of seconds after it left his stick. I didn't think that was possible. But a video shows it [smiles]."

Closest Hockey Friends: "A lot of good friends on the team. I tend to hang out with (Alex) Killorn and Sustr - couple of the single guys. We do our family dinner together at home in Tampa."

Why Do You Love Playing Hockey: "You know what? I think it's everything. It's hard really to define that. You just meet so many good people along the way. You maintain so many relationships. Obviously it's something you dream about as a kid growing up. You're able to fulfill that dream. Your family and friends...there's so many reasons why you play."

Funniest Players Encountered: "Eric Brewer. He's one of the funniest guys for sure. Dry Humor. Always good for a laugh."

Most Memorable Goal: "First NHL goal is one that I'll remember. I think last year in the Finals (I) had a game-winner. That would be one too."

People Qualities Most Admired: "I think people that are humble and respectful."

Mark Scoop Malinowski's latest books "Facing Nadal" and "Muhammad Ali: Portrait of a Champion" are available at amazon.