I’ve always paid close attention to all the positions, even though I was mostly just playing center growing up. Then while playing for the Portland Pirates of the AHL I was put on wing, and so I learned a lot about that position there. Then my first 2 years in the NHL, being versatile helped me get more ice time than just being able to play center. So I focused a lot on rounding my game out, to allow for more opportunity. And lastly, I spend a lot of time in the off-season working on all aspects of skating (pivots, turns, crossovers, edges etc) and technique both forwards and backwards, and that’s what allows me to play D from time to time. Ultimately, I want to be a player that can play in any position in any situation – I never want the coach to look my way and say “I can’t put him on the ice in this particular situation because he can’t get the job done.” Thanks Rachel, good question.

Signing autographs comes with the territory. It’s kind of neat actually. It fun to see peoples faces when they get something signed – especially kids, they are the best. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in their position……and actually still am. I have quite a few signed pictures of athletes and musicians on the walls of the basement in my house, so I understand how important an autograph can be to someone.

Thanks David, and I love the rivalry – that’s a pretty easy question haha. Every time we play them it seems like a playoff-type atmosphere, even if the game is in October!! The rivalry was around long before I came to Washington, and I think it has grown a tremendous amount in the past 7 years. I think both teams are very good, and have some tremendous young hockey players that will continue to spark the rivalry for many more years. Both teams hate each other thats obvious haha, but I think that hatred is also based on a certain amount of respect for each other’s ability. There’s going to be so many more chapters to this, and I’m more than glad to be a part of it.

I don’t wear a visor because I feel it limits my vision a bit. Quite often when wearing a visor, you can have sweat drop onto your visor, when you are battling in the corner, or in front of the net or something, and then you have to play the shift with impaired vision. I don’t know, the visor just bothers me a bit. I wore one in junior, and in the AHL and also my first year in the NHL, but I like it way better without one. I kind of wish I wore one, for a little bit more protection, but it’s hard to put one on after not wearing it for 6 years. But I mean, if you look around the league, a lot of the so-called “superstars” wear visors – so obviously they can’t be that much of a distraction haha. It’s just personal preference that’s all.

Yup – there’s only one answer to this question – practice, practice and more practice. I have been playing hockey since I was 2 years old – so that means I’ve played hockey for 26 years Ryan. So if you think we make things look easy, you have to understand that it took years and years to perfect those skills. For you as a beginner, the most important thing is to get on the ice as much as possible. And this can be in any facet – a game, practice or even just public skating. Growing up I spent every possible hour I could on the ice, so that I was totally comfortable out there. And now its just second nature. For you my friend, start with the most fundamental part of hockey – skating. Once you can skate, you can pick the passing and shooting up pretty easy. Skating is the most important fundamental of hockey – and also most difficult to master, so don’t be deterred if you don’t master it right away, it takes some time. Best of luck pal, hope your wearing a Capitals jersey one day!!!