Dave: When you were in college, what current teammates did you play against?
Tim: I was lucky enough to play against Karl Goehring, Duvie Westcott and Paul Manning
Dave: What was it like to score your first AHL goal?
Tim: It was amazing to score my first professional goal, it felt great, especially at our home rink.
Dave:
How about your fight vs. Jason McDonald of the Pens? Can you
tell us what
was said between the two of you to get that started?
Were you pleased with your showing?
Tim:
There wasn't too much said, it just got going, I think I did alright for
my first professional fight.
Dave:
One thing I have found is that fans of the NHL club seem to
think that any high ranking draft choice is going to blow by their current
3rd and 4th line players, be better than anyone currently on their
AHL team, and have an impact in the NHL first year.
How realistic is this? Does it put too much pressure on
you?
Tim: Well for me being drafted high in the
second round, I haven't achieved those fans expectations thus far in my
career, but it's a marathon not a sprint, and I think I can only get
better. I don't think there is too much pressure on me, I am hard on
myself and I am disappointed in the numbers I have put up so far, but it's
not lack of effort.
Dave: What goal have you set for
yourself for playing your first NHL game.
Tim: I
would love to make an impact with a goal or a fight, and than hopefully
play another game after that.
Dave: Which
Crunch player impresses you the most?
Tim:
On the ice-I think McDonell does not get enough credit for what he does.
He does everything you need, shoots the puck, hits guys, fights, and works
as hard as he can every shift. Off the ice- My roommates Ettinger, Pandolfo,
and pretty much McDonell, because we hang out all the time. Just great
guys to be around.
Dave: Tim, what is your favorite:
( Tim's answer's in Red)
a) Movie - Meet the
Parents or Braveheart
b) Video game -Tiger
Woods Golf 2003
c) Music CD - Dave Matthews
band
d) Place to eat locally -The
Diner
Dave:
How has it been rooming with Mike Pandolfo? In many ways, your
situation is very similar here. Do you ever find yourselves
talking to each other, saying "So why do YOU think we don't get much
playing time?"
Tim:
Mike and I get along great, because were both in the same boat and
have similar backgrounds. We've talked about not getting tons of ice
time, it's tough, but you just try to be positive and work hard and
do your job whenever you get out there.
Dave: Other
than Pando, which teammates do you hang out with off the ice?
Tim: Ettinger, McDonell, Blake, Reich, Dizzy, Scoville.
Dave: What do you think of the fans in Syracuse?
Tim:
I think they're great! they have a lot of support for us through this
tough season. They make it all worth while, and a lot easier for me to
adjust to this new environment. They have been great, and I
want to thank them!
Dave:
Did you enjoy the weekend in Columbus? Does it help
motivate you to succeed if you get to go up there and and
play on NHL ice?
Tim:
It was
awesome to play in Columbus at Nationwide. It does help fuel the tank to
see where those guys skate everyday, and all the other perks in that rink,
and on the private jet, it's pretty amazing.
Dave: How about your family?
How many brothers and sisters? Are any others athletes?
Tim:
I have an older brother (Todd) and
older sister (Tricia), but neither are athletes right now, and my mom and
dad are great, they support me all way.
Dave:
Have they come to see you play here and if so, what were their
impressions of the team and the city?
Tim:
Yes, they have made it out here twice.
They thought it was a faster game that college and they really enjoyed
there stay in Syracuse.
Dave: Do you ever read about
yourself or the team online through the various web pages and discussion
boards? If so, do you get upset if you read
something negative about yourself or a teammate?
Tim:
No, I don't get on the internet too
often, and I believe everyone's entitled to their opinion, but
I hope they're saying good things. Thanks again to all the fans!
Interviewers
note: I would like to thank Tim Jackman for taking the time
to do this interview. Thanks to Andrea and Nicole for the pictures.
Special thanks to Andrea for making this happen!