How are you finding life in the Elite League?
Life has been good, but definitely challenging. It isn’t easy losing this many games, but with being a new team and having so many new players we knew it was going to be tough.
Did you have any other offers on the table in the summer?
What made you chose Fife? Yeah had a few options in the Elite League and other countries. I chose Fife because of the good things that Mark Morrison had to say and the opportunity to be a player/assistant coach.
Were you aware of the EIHL and have you ever been approached in the past to come over and play in the UK/Europe?
I was aware of the EIHL and have had a few buddies come over here and play. I had only heard good things about the league and how it was run. I have always wanted to come overseas and this was the first year that I was serious about coming over to Europe and playing.
What do you think would constitute a successful campaign for the Flyers?
I think a successful campaign for the Flyers would be to play consistent competitive hockey in the Elite League. This is a very strong league and each team is talented.
Which of your new team mates have you bonded the most with?
I’ve got to know everyone on the team quite well since moving to Scotland. All the boys have full time jobs or are in school, so it’s a lot easier to get to know the other imports on the team. Danny Stewart and Garrett Zemlak have both been characters. It’s funny to see those two living together...they are complete opposites.
Has there been any rivalry between Fife and any of the other teams that has caught your attention?
I think the rivalry between the Scottish teams is the biggest I have noticed.
Who is the best opposition forward you have faced up to now?
I think the best forwards have been Doucet and McBride from Belfast. Both are very fast and skilled and play very well with each other.
Which of the Elite sides that you’ve faced has impressed you the most this season?
Nottingham, Belfast, and Sheffield are all very very strong squads.
Now that you have taken on coaching duties with Todd, what changes have you been working on to get more from the players?
Todd and I are now focusing on training and making sure all of the boys are ready to get better every day.
Have there been any of the local lads that have really impressed you?
Hamish has obviously impressed this season. He works hard every night and skates well enough to get on the fore-check and create turnovers. One guy who has really gone under the radar is Scoony. He comes to the rink every day and works hard, never complains, and is learning everyday. He’s an extremely smart kid and you can see that on the ice, he is really learning a lot and you can see that when he plays.
How have you found Fife/Scotland?
Have you had many opportunities to go sightseeing, golf, travel, etc? I’ve really enjoyed my time since coming to Scotland. My wife surprised me with a visit last month and we were able to get into Edinburgh, Glasgow and headed up north for a night. I’ve played a few rounds of golf and hope to play more through the year.
