On the Season

Thoughts on this season so far?

Record wise, a good start - we’re tied for first. We’re lucky to have two really good goaltenders that have stolen us a couple of wins. I think we’re still trying to figure out our team identity a little bit - it’s always tough to get into that team chemistry right away. It takes time, and right now we’re in a good spot. It’s always good to have a really good start to the season. To be racking up those wins is huge, but I think we still have room to grow as a team.

Any rivalries this year?

Looks like Worcester is going to be that team this year. With Manchester out of the league, you end up playing your divisional rivals at least four or five more games per year, which adds up. It seems like Worcseter is going to be a team that’s pretty physical and could be a big rivalry.

On the Next Generation

Any advice you’d like to share for up and coming players?

I think people spend time worrying about what team they’re on, what line they’re on, who they’re playing with, how much ice time they get. But I’d say the biggest thing to worry about as a player would be - at the end of the year, if you think you got better, then that was a successful season. Too many people worry about all the ins and outs, but if you’re getting better every year, then you’re going to find yourself where you want to be at the end of the day.

That and the other thing that my dad taught me growing up is that it’s hard for coaches and scouts to cut you if you’re the hardest working guy on the ice. So always work to be the hardest working guy on the ice and make it tough for teams to release you. Everyone recognizes the guy going the hardest.

How about words of wisdom for folks just learning to skate?

I’d say right away - you’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to fall a bunch. You might not last long out there, but it’s like riding a bike, you’ve just gotta get back on until sooner or later you start catching on to it. Skating is a unique thing where you’re definitely going to hurt yourself a couple of times, but you’ve just gotta keep getting back up.

On Glens Falls

Favorite place to grab a bite after a game?

There’s really not a bad spot to eat! We bounce around a lot - Mikado, Downtown City Tavern…

How do you unwind on your days off?

I like to read a lot - it doesn’t matter if it’s non-fiction, fiction. Lately I just like to sit down and read, which is kind of new because in school, the last thing you want to do is read those books. I’ve really started to enjoy reading on my own time.

Also, my sister lives down in Kinderhook, and she has a daughter and newborn son. It’s great because on my days off I can go down there, and that’s a big reason I love playing here. Traveling with hockey, it can be tough to find time to see family, but with my sister and brother in law and two kids nearby, it’s nice to go down there and see them and relax, so that’s a huge bonus of playing here. My whole family is really important to me. I really can’t say enough about them. They’re the reason I’ve been able to play and keep on playing.