19: Gavin Fleming

After last week’s win against Dundee Tigers on Saturday night I was delighted to have a chance to have a chat with Flyers #19 Gavin Fleming about his views on hockey, life and more hockey. I hope to speak to some of the other guys over the next few weeks and bring you more interviews throughout the course of the season. I don’t know about you but I’m always intrigued by how players view the game in general and playing for the Flyers specifically. So here are the thoughts of Gavin, straight from him and straight after that 13-5 win against Tigers.

HOW OLD ARE YOU?
28
FIRST HOCKEY MEMORIES.
Playing at Crystals in Glenrothes for Glenrothes Spitfires. Kirkcaldy was very busy so I went to Crystals.
ANY HOCKEY HEROES?
Used to be Luc Robitaille of LA Kings but now it’s probably Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
THOUGHTS ON ZERO TOLERANCE.
(After a big sigh), So far I think it’s killing the game. Hockey is the fastest game in the world but this is slowing everything down. The NHL has 2 referees and that seems to work better.
TOUGHEST OPPONENT.
Playing against folks who know you can be tough. They know your moves, what you plan to do. I always found it difficult playing against Grumpy (Colin Grubb) when he played elsewhere. He knew where I was going to put the puck. Playing against pals can be tough but for the game you just get on with it. You have banter between plays but during the game you just play.
BEST INDIVIDUAL MOMENT.
Playing for GB at Under 16, Under 19 and an Under 21 Touring side to South Africa.
ANY PRE-MATCH ROUTINE.
I always put my left hand side on first and put it on from the left. Before the game I skate around the circle at the side of the goal and tap the goal line and the boards.
POST-MATCH ROUTINE.
Just have a beer and try to chill.

PRE-MATCH MEAL.
With an 11 month old in the home it’s whatever handy. Rusks sometimes!
BUS ROUTINE.
On the longer trips sometimes I have a game of cards.
TEAM JOKER.
Steven King and Haigy are funny guys. Some of the others think they’re funny. (Gavin laughs at this point unwilling to name names)
IF YOU COULD CHANGE 1 RULE WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Goalies pads seem to be getting bigger and bigger and although as a Forward the 2 line pass rule would make it tougher maybe that should be looked at again.
DO YOU EVER GO ON INTERNET HOCKEY FORUMS?
The Flyers one and the Scottish Hockey Forum.
VIEWS ON THE LEAGUE THIS YEAR.
It’s getting better, progressing.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF FANS WOULDN’T KNOW.
I’m your local Sky Wizard.
FAVOURITE BAND.
U2 and Keane more recently.
FAVOURITE TV/FILM
SoccerAM and my wife makes me watch any of the Rocky films.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 5 WORDS OR SO.
Honest, Hard Working, Can be Perfectionist, Family orientated and Live for today.
ANY MESSAGE FOR THE FLYERS FANS.
Keep coming, we really appreciate the backing we get.

Thanks to Gavin for his time and candour. Enjoy the game tonight and remember it’s slippy out there.