18: John Haig, Part 1, (Part 2>>)Thomas Muir

 

Waiting for my son, Ciaran, to present the man of the Match Awards at the recent Solway Sharks Autumn Cup game, I got the chance to introduce myself to John Haig who was watching from the tunnel after going off with a “wee niggle”. John had only managed a few minutes of that game before feeling something in his groin area and decided to rest up. I arranged to meet up with John after Saturday’s game against Dundee Tigers and here is the interview that I did with John.

After that 7-2 win I asked John on his thoughts about that game.
 I thought it was a decent game, a good game. They’ve signed some experienced players but their lack of match practice maybe caught up with them at the end. Our fitness levels are very high and can often tell in the later parts of matches.

ANY HOCKEY HEROES?
I look up to guys like Tony Hand of course, what he’s achieved. Going back it would be Dave Stoyanovich, speed and great goal scorer. (I did some research on statistics for Dave and in 1984/85 season he played 36 games for stats of 108+67 for 175 points with 118 minutes. After a season in Cortina in Italy he returned to Flyers in 86/87 for stats of 88+97 for 185 points and 106pims. A couple of seasons later he played 10 games for Tayside Tigers also).

Here are John’s own career statistics up to 05/06 season. >> Stats <<

 I asked John about the recent rumours about him possibly returning to Guildford Flames for the closing months of this season. John told me that, at one point, it could have happened but was never seriously on the cards. He told me that leaving Flyers would have been extremely difficult for him and that being the Team Captain was a great honour and not a situation that he could give up lightly.

IS IT DIFFICULT PLAYING AGAINST FRIENDS OR EX TEAMMATES OR EVEN BOBBY?
No, not really. Everything that happens on the ice stays on the ice. Against Bobby we play for the bragging rights until the next game.

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST HOCKEY MEMORIES?
Coming to the rink at 530 in the mornings to practice. I started when I was about 5 I think. I used to play a bit of football as well but hockey took over.

CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL GAME?
It was for Tayside Tigers but my first goal was for Flyers against Solihull. I can remember it well.

BEST INDIVIDUAL MEMORY?
The Grand Slam for Flyers in 2000 was it, brilliant. The year before had been a bit of a struggle but we really came together that season. John’s face lit up as he reflected on that great season.
He went on to say that he had enjoyed being a part of good teams particularly at Fife and during his 2 years at Guildford Flames alongside his good pal Davie Smith. He said that he had been lucky enough to be part of good teams with good lads playing with him.


His worst memory was when he had suffered 2 knee injuries in the same year when he was 16. I went on to say that I found it remarkable how seldom hockey players missed games through injury in such a physical game. John said that they were all a bunch of tough cookies. I suspect that they all carry a high degree of fitness and know how to ride the knocks basically.

VIEWS ON CURRENT SITUATION?
John felt that the League had improved significantly this season and that there had been a rise in the quality of many of the games. He commented on the decent crowd at the Tigers game. He was aware of the many rumours that percolate in the World of Hockey but said that he could only concentrate on what was happening now.

DO YOU LOOK AT INTERNET HOCKEY FORUMS?
John said that he was aware of them and joked that he daren’t look for fear of what folks were saying on them. I re-assured him when the Guildford move was being discussed the Flames supporters wanted him to go but the Flyers fans didn’t. He accepted the praise with a smile.

The Conclusion of the interview will be in next weeks Programme. It was a pleasure to meet John and next week we’ll find out a wee bit more about him and his thoughts.

STOVIEMAN