Article content continued

You have graduated from university, just as Thomas had. Why did you decide to move to the U.S., anyway? This is not too typical for Canadians, is it?

But this is quite simple. I wasn’t drafted in the CHL, and there was no other better option to play after Junior A till at least the age of 20 than the NCAA. I was lucky that Cornell University offered me the possibility to continue at their school. That allowed me to develop and get to professional hockey eventually.

What did studies at one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities give you?

I have really never expected I would be able to study at such a high-calibre institute. My marks at school were not at the top because I paid increased attention to hockey. Sure, I was trying, but I was not among the best students in class. Thanks to hockey because it allowed me to get to Cornell in the first place, where I learnt how to apply yourself, took sufficient care of my studies and managed to obtain a degree from a world-renowned university. The information I learnt there is not as important as the habits of time management, working with people, relationships, the art of building your life so as to be successful. That gave me a lot both in life, and in sports. (Scrivens has a degree in Hotel Administration.)

Does it help in the dressing room?

To a degree. Many are aware that I am not afraid to speak my mind.

That’s what got you the nickname, Professor. But here’s what’s interesting: does it always help? Did you not cause problems for yourself on occasion?

Yes, it would have been better to keep my mouth shut from time to time. It could have shown in my career. Looking back, I think sometimes that I should not have said this or that. Without any concrete stuff. It’s just that I do not accept the baracks atmosphere. The condition: don’t ask questions, just do what you’re told. If we’re doing something as a team, I need to know why. I always give my all, no matter what, but I do need the answers. And that’s something some hockey people don’t like.