Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Greg: Well, my mom took me to an old timers Bruins game when
I was 6 and I just fell in love with the sport right away. Playing at
the pro levell is something that I've wanted to do since I started
playing and once I felt that I need a new challenge I made the jump. I'm
a pretty active person and sitting behind a desk didn't seem like the
living for me.
Dave: What part of your game do your feel will need the most improvement if you are to make it in the NHL?
Greg: I think that I could use work in all parts of my game, but I feel that if anything it would have to be my defensive play. I think scoring goals and making plays in the offensive zone is great, but if I want to get more ice time in the most important situations that's what I'll have to work on.
Dave: What do the Columbus brass tell you about your chances? Are they encouraging and motivating?
Greg: I honestly don't talk to them that
often. I don't think that they really need to, I think that actions show a
lot and by getting me into some game with them last year with them that
made me feel like their behind me. I know a few of the regional scouts who
pushed for me in the draft are very encouraging
Dave:
You are the fastest skater we have seen here
since Steve Kariya (1999-2000). What do you attribute your
blazing speed to ?
Greg: Well, thanks for the compliment! I would have to say that most of it is genetics. I ran track when I was younger and in high school, so I think that has a lot to do with it.
Dave: You played your college hockey at UMass. How do you compare the college game to playing in the AHL?
Greg: Everything's different, the size, speed, and skill level of all the players make the AHL game that much tougher. The amount of games make the AHL that much harder also because there are so many it can sometime be hard to get up for games, where in college there's just two a week. Also the goalies are better, so scoring goals is more of a challenge.
Dave: You do not have the reputation as a fighter, but dropped the gloves with Danny Bois earlier in the season. What prompted you to do that? Can you tell us a bit about what was said between the two of you?
Greg: Well, before the puck was dropped we were slashing each others skates and sticks just to get position. I wasn't going to give him and inch and he wasn't going to give me any. He said something along the lines of your so tough with your shield on, so I backed away, took my helmet off and we went at it.
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Greg: It's fine, I don't really have much to say about it. I'm a pretty easy going person, so it alright for me. It's nothing like my hometown. Where I come from it's pretty quiet and relaxed.
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Greg: I'm still trying to finish college, so I'm taking online
classes. I also play sony playstation and chess when I'm not at the rink.
Dave: What are the details of
your contract?
Greg: I have a two year, two way contract between here and Columbus.
Dave: If you could have any one of your former teammates back from any team to play with this season, who would it be and why?
Greg: I would have to say my former line mate from juniors Chris Casey. Well I just always had a good time playing with Chris and now that he doesn't play anymore I just think it would be nice to get him back playing and see if he still has it!
Dave: Who is your favorite (answers in red)
a) Pro athlete?
- Barry Sanders
b) Hockey player while you
were growing up? - Mike Grier
c) Non athlete celebrity?
-
-
Denzel Washington
d) Musical artist? - Nappy Roots
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Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Agnew - Intense behind the bench in the moment
b) Howard Dolgon - Don't really know him to well
c) Brandon Sugden- One of the best fighters I've seen
d) Alexander Svitov - Great hands and vision
e) Jeremy Reich - A hard, nose in your face player (glad he's on my team)
f) Joe Motzko - A crafty player who can make defenders look bad at anytime
g) Mark Hartigan - Has one of the hardest shots I've seen in person
Dave: If you were not playing hockey, what sport would you play? Do you think you would be good enough to be a pro at it?
Greg: I guess it I wasn't playing hockey I would be playing football. I don't know if I would be good enough to, only because I don't know if the passion for it would be there. I just don't like the idea of practicing all week for one game.
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Greg: My father, he was always there for me since I was 6. I think he's the one that really taught me how to work hard for what I want and not to take short cuts in life
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes? Have family members come to see you play?
Greg:
I have a sister who's 25. We ran track together
growing up. Nope they haven't seen me play as a member of the Crunch.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Greg: Mostly the younger guys like Goertz, Ole, and Raff.
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Greg: I would have to say Jamie Pushor because he's been playing pro for so long and has been able to keep himself in such good shape. Not to mention the he seems to still have fun with it. When I see him at practice I get the feeling that he doesn't forget how he felt about the game when he was a kid. Also he's been the promised land (winning the Cup), so it's really hard not to admire him.
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Greg: I like the fans. When I'm playing I feed of their energy. I have not problem signing autographs for anyone. No, I wouldn't say so. I feel like I blend in with everyone else
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Greg: I would like to coach my old junior team
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Greg: I like to read the scores of the other games and take a look at the pictures. I don't really care what people say, I just try and pay attention to what the coaching staff and teammates say because in the end their the ones that are trying to help me
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Greg Mauldin for taking
the time to do this interview.