MIke Robitaille Interview

I just recently did an interview with former NHLer Mike Robitaille. Mike Robitaille spent his career with the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and, Detroit Red Wings. Robitaille's career ended after multiple injuries in 1977. Robitalle joined the Sabres Broadcast crew in 1991 and has been a part ever since. Robitaille played in 382 regular season NHL games, scoring 23 goals and adding 105 assists. Mike still resides in the Buffalo area and is part of the Sabres Alumni Association. Mike and his wife also own Robitalle Real Estate . Though Mike's career has been long over, Mike still interacts with fans in the Buffalo area and has been a fan favorite. This interview is another interview done with the help of The Puck Stops Here Please enjoy! Questions are in Blue and answers are in Green!

1. What do you miss most about living in Canada?

    Nothing much---- I became a U.S. citizen 10 years ago

2. Who did you have the most fun playing with? Also who was your favorite line mate?

 Ab Demarco Jr. and my favorite defense partner was Tim Horton

3. During you career what goalie did you have a particularly hard Time scoring against?

Seemed like all of them but maybe Tony Esposito Chicago Blackhawkes

4. What is your Number 1 regret, what didn't you accomplish during your career?

 Took playing too serious and never had enough fun

 

5. What was the high point of your career?

 Being chosen to play in the NHL All Star game---broke my wrist a week before and couldn't play in the game ----also being chosen for the unsung hero award in the NHL

6. What is your greatest memory of hockey player?

 Being chosen the best defensmen in Jr A hockey ( Kitchener Rangers)

7. Now being a Intermission reporter, what do you miss most about the game? What has been the biggest change since your years in the NHL, compared to the NHL of today?

 Really nothing as the game didn't come easy to me. The biggest changes has been how scientific the game has become---the condition of the players---and the amount of money to be made in such as short amount of time 

8. When you were younger what NHL star did you look up to?

They were all heroes to me as I was growing up.

9. If you could meet any hockey player past or present, who would it be?

Eddie Shore

10. What former teammate/player are you closest to still today?

Larry Carriere my former defense partner with the Sabres

11. What do you like most about being an analyst for the Sabres?

Speaking and explaining the game in simple terms ----- also working for terrific owners who make decisions with morals over money

12. Growing up, what was your favorite team?

Detroit

13. Do you miss playing hockey? 

Not at all---toughest job I've ever had by far

14. Do you like being part of the Sabres Alumni? 

Proud of the Alumni and so many players that have made a difference in our community.

It was another great interview and we appreciate the interview from Mike Robitaille! Stay tuned for more! 

Capitals Force Game Seven

         Well Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals have pulled it off again. The Capitals forced game 7 for the 2nd straight series with Wednesday's 2-1 win in the nation's capital. The Capitals shocked the Rangers with a quick 1st period power play goal by Captain Alex Ovechkin. That goal was followed by Jason Chimera's mid-second period tally to give the Caps the 2-0 lead over the Rangers. However, Holtby's shut out was spoiled by a late Marian Gaborik goal. However, this was not enough for the Rangers to post a win against the red hot Capitals.

          The players took the lose very rough however no one took it as badly as Rangers head coach John Tortorella. Tortorella did not want to hear anything from reporters as he pretty much blew up on them as a result to almost any question he was asked. He definitely let his anger out during the post game however would not show it in the locker room or on the ice until the next day. As you can see by Tortorella's post game interview (watch video on side for full interview), he was not happy at all. He continuously stated that he though they sucked. He also refused to comment on individual players. After less then 2 minutes of frustration, Tortorella got up and left. He was not in the mood to be interviewed. Period.   

            The players also thought they played poorly. "We can't let it," Rangers captain Ryan Callahan said. "We have to put this one behind us. We have to go in Saturday ready to play." Callahan realizes that game 7 is do or die. He hopes to lead his team past the Caps in game 7 Saturday when the take home ice at MSG.

"I'm probably a little more nervous the older I get because I was kind of young and stupid at that time," Richards said Friday after practice. "It's a fun day. You cherish the chances you get to be in them. You treat it like a great day in your life. You don't get many chances to do something like that at Madison Square Garden; Game 7 on a Saturday night. Where else would you want to be?"

            From the Caps point of view, they are so happy and relieved they forced game 7. They also do realize this could be the end of the road though if they take 7 too lightly. "It was tough, but we thought about it in the room the next day, watched some film in the locker room and we thought 'we played a good game,'" Hendricks told NBC. "Great job by 'Holtsie', he stood on his head tonight, and now we look forward to Game 7." It was planned to be the least amount of a distraction to the team as possible," Holtby said Friday after practice. "It was a great day. Mom and baby are doing great, but now the focus is on hockey." "We know what we have to do," Backstrom said. "If we can win in Boston, we can do it up at Madison (Square Garden), too. We're looking forward to it."

           From both sides, fans are excited for game 7. It's a battle of the best. Both teams want to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Devils. This game is the highest priced event at MSG in over a year at an average of $435 a ticket. MSG is sure to be rocking tomorrow night for Game 7. As a result, it will sure be a huge hit around the US and Canada. Both teams appear to be desperate as they face elimination. It'll be fight to the bitter and end and probably come down to win goal and who wants it more. After tomorrow we will know who will play the Devils. The Capitals have already thrown off the 2nd place Bruins in game 7 in the 1st round. Can they repeat and continue their hot streak, or will the 1st place Rangers move on. This year has been a very entertaining playoff year and I don't expect anything different from tomorrow's game.

Trevor Petersen Interview

We just finished another great interview with Caitlin from The Puck Stops Here ! This time with Trevor Petersen of the OHL Niagara Ice Dogs!

Despite not being drafted in the OHL draft Trevor Petersen has found a home with the Niagara Ice Dogs in the OHL. Peterson was determined to work hard and show the OHL what they had missed by passing home over, he worked hard and was able to get the attention of the Ice Dogs. Petersen and the Ice Dogs are battling it out for the OHL championship against the London Knights.
Trevor will have one more season in the OHL before his NHL draft year and will look to have a bigger role with the Ice Dogs next season and solidify his chance of getting drafted. Trevor is a solid two way player who has the ice and the skill to compete against the best. He's making a name for himself on a star studded Niagara Ice Dogs team!

(Campbell,Caitlin The Puck Stops Here)

1. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
The biggest influence has been my parents, they have always been there for me whether things are going my way or not. They have taught me so much about growing up and being a good person outside of the rink which has really helped my character!

2. What are your plans for next season?
Next season I see myself having a bigger role with the ice dogs as the majority of the top 6 forwards are leaving. It is also my draft year next season (as I have a late birthday) so I am aiming for a 30-40 point season next year.

3. Your first fight in the OHL was against your high school friend Joseph Blandisi, what was it like fighting a former friend? Did you win?
Joe and I planned that fight as we both wanted to get our first OHL fight out of the way. It wasn't much of a fight, more of a wrestling match as we are still good buddies.

4. Looking back was not getting drafted in the OHL better for your career? (many players who had gotten drafted have yet to make their teams).
Not getting drafted was really difficult at the beginning, a lot of the teams were talking to me and telling me they would take me in one of the first 5 rounds. After not getting drafted I refocused on getting a NCAA school to take me on for next season Maine, UNH, and Quinnipiac all contacted me. Robert Morris ended up offering me a spot on the Niagara Ice Dogs and I felt coming to Niagara would be the best fit for me. So yes not getting drafted originally opened up more roads for me.

5. Whats it like playing/hanging out with players like Dougie Hamilton, Mark Visetin and Ryan Strome?
These guys are players who I can admire both on and off the ice. They are really great guys to have around and have taught me so much this season: From leading by example to giving me little tips here and there. Most importantly these gentleman have taught me to be mature and that you need to be loyal both on and off the ice.

6. At what age did you know hockey was your sport?
My dad laced me up around the age of 5 but my first year of house league hockey was pretty rough. That summer I enrolled in hockey schools and power skating lessons, the next season I came back and was a superstar from that moment I knew I wanted to play at the highest level of hockey possible! Hockey is such a unique sport, whenever I'm on the ice it just clears my mind and I feel so relaxed while doing what I love for a living.

7. What is your greatest hockey memory?
There have been a lot of great memories, but the ones that I remember the most are playing shinny with the buddies during summer break and skating on the out door rinks during the Christmas holidays. There's nothing better!

8. What is your favourite NHL team?
My favourite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks. Patrick Kane.

9. If you could meet any player past or present who would it be?

Wayne Gretzky, he is considered to be the best player to ever play the game. So I think it would be cool too meet him and hear what he would say about his greatest moments and memories throughout his career.

10. If you could play for any NHL which would it be and why?
Honestly playing for any NHL team would be a huge honour! My agent and I have already been contacted by a few teams and whenever a new team contacts us I get really excited and it just motivates me to work that much harder. Playing in the NHL would be a dream come true, and right now I'm all about making my dreams become a reality!