Carolina Hurricanes Practice
Hello everyone, I am HockeyCat’s newest correspondent. I hope to keep you all well informed about local hockey events. For my first assignment, I ventured out to the Raleigh Reczone where I was to observe a Carolina Hurricane’s practice.
When I first arrived I had no idea what to expect. The only things I could think of were: how I am just a high school student, I am new at my job, and I’m walking into this room without any credentials whatsoever.
I was certain they were going to turn me down for this interview. I was introduced himself to a sports reporter Maya Starks, from the NBC 17, Raleigh. She introduced me to Mike Sundheim, the Carolina Hurricanes’ Director of Media Relations.
The words barely came out, I was so nervous, but I managed to introduce myself. I asked if I could interview a few of the players. He told me that there was a possibility, after practice.
I was so excited, my mind was spinning and my heart was racing. To complete my initial objective, I watched the practice and took a few notes. With the speed of Staal, the gloves of Ward and Gerber, and the skills of Cole and Brind’Amour, they are all perfect as a team. Each player’s talent coincides, and put together they deliver a beautiful performance.
As I got caught up in the game, I became more relaxed. Mr. Sundheim approached me and asked who I would like to speak with. The lump in my throat seemed to disappear, and the words came with ease.
I explained my goal and requested to speak with Eric Staal and Erik Cole. He told me he would see what he could do. After watching for a little longer, Mr. Sundheim informed me he would be bringing out Eric Staal, Erik Cole, and Cam Ward.
At this point I was feeling thrilled and nervous at the same time. The door to the locker room opened, my heart stopped, before me stood Eric Staal. I introduced myself and not wanting to take much of his time I only asked a few questions:
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: “Basically stick to the same routine. I skate in the morning, have a two hour nap before the game, and get to there (the arena) two hours before the game.”
Q: Do you have a NHL hero?
A: “Wayne Gretzky and Joe Sakic.”
Q: Have you always wanted to play in the NHL?
A: “Yes as soon as I knew what hockey was, and started playing.” He explained how it was a common aspiration among young Canadian boys, but definitely his.
Erik Cole was next to appear. I congratulated him for his amazing accomplishment of being selected for the Olympic team. I had to ask how that felt.
A: “Definitely a proud moment,” Cole said. Confessing he had been informed of the great news before it was officially announced, he told me, “It was hard to keep it quiet, I told some family and friends.”
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: “Not really, I’m pretty low key. I drink lots of coffee, and keep the music going on the ipod.”
Q: Who is your NHL hero?
A: “Mario Lemeiux, I always wanted to play along side him for the Pittsburg Penguins.”
Q: Have you always wanted to play in the NHL?
A: “Yeah, it was my last will and testament in like the sixth grade when we did a where would you be in 2005 project.”
Next up was rookie goaltender, Cam Ward (Editors Note: we’ve loved Cam Ward around here since his time in Red Deer). As you all may know goalies are famous for their idiosyncrasies, our man Cam, however is an exception to this rule. “I keep it pretty normal, sticking to the same routine, and taking a pre-game nap,” Cam replied when I asked him to explain what he does to prepare for the game.
Q: Who is your NHL hero?
A: “Martin Brodeur and Nikolai Khabibulin.” He told me how honored he was to be on the same ice with those guys.
Q: Did you always want to play for the NHL?
A: “Yes, it was my childhood dream.”
I would like to give a big thank you to Ms. Starks, Mr. Sundheim, and Eric Staal, Erik Cole and Cam Ward for making my first assignment a success and a whole lot of fun. Staal, Cole, Ward you guys were so awesome, and easy to talk to, so thank you for your time. I can’t wait for my next assignment, until then GO CANES!!!