Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Peter: My 2 older brothers played and being from Long Island,
N.Y., the Islanders were very popular. They were winning Stanley
Cups and being the most exciting sports team to follow on Long Island.
Our inspiration was the passion and love we had for the game. We
knew immediately that we wanted to make hockey our profession.
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Peter: I read, shop, play golf, travel and work on the Jennifer Ferraro
Foundation as Vice President. I also attend other charity events
on the off season. I enjoy working out and running as well.
Dave:
How disappointing is it for you that Chris out due to injury?
How does your game change when you are not on a line together?
Peter: It's disappointing when any team loses a player of Chris'
caliber. We enjoy playing together and have established great
chemistry. Obviously, I have to change my game, not take as many
offensive chances and play a little more conservative.
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Peter:
I think Syracuse is a very nice city to play in. The support is
tremendous and the organization is very professional and classy.
Syracuse differs from my hometown because it's a lot less populated, less
action, and much longer winters.
Dave: What are the details of
your current contract? Is there a possibility you may
return next season?
Peter: Our contracts bring us to the end of the regular season. In regard to next season, I have no idea.
Dave: How does the Columbus organization fit into the picture? Understandably, their investment is in their prospects, but it seems you would be an ideal depth player for them if the NHL resumes next season.
Peter: I would love the opportunity to play for the Blue Jackets. Every player's goal is to play in the NHL at any point in their career.
Dave: You won an NCAA championship with The University of Maine in 1983. That are some of your best memories of that time and what was it like to play with Paul Kariya?
Peter: Winning the NCAA Championship is one of my greatest memories. To have the opportunity to play with Paul Kariya makes the memory more magnified.
Dave: You also played for Team USA in the 1994 Olympics in Norway. What are some of your fondest memories from that tournament and do you keep in touch with any of your former Olympic teammates?
Peter: I don't stay in touch with many players from the 1994 Olympic
team, but my fondest memory is the fact that I was able to honor my
country by representing myself as one of the most elite athletes in the
United States.
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?
Peter: Marc Savard! He was amazing to play with an a good friend at the time. Besides Paul Kariya, he was the most enjoyable to watch and play with.
Dave: When you played in the 2001-02 AHL All-Star Game, Karl Goehring was your teammate. What were your impressions of him then and how do you feel he has progressed as a goaltender?
Peter: I was very impressed by Karl Goehring. Being a smaller player myself I really respected his focus and will to make himself better. I also think that he's progressed into an NHL goaltender.
Dave: Who is your favorite ( answers in red)
a) Pro athlete? - Tiger Woods
b) Hockey player while you were growing up? - Wayne Gretzky
c) Non athlete celebrity? - Joe Gannascoli, a friend of mine. He stars in the Sopranos as "Vito"!
d) Musical artist? - Linkin Park
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Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Agnew - Very organized and his players respond well to him The players really enjoy playing for him.
b) Howard Dolgon -Very serious, driven and determined owner. Has a competitive attitude and shows his team that he's a very caring owner.
c) Brad Moran - An exceptional player and person. I think he's the "Ron Francis" of the AHL. A great 2 way player in all areas.
d) Alexander Svitov - Has a tremendous upside to his career. Will have the opportunity to blossom into a regular in the NHL.
e) Jeremy Reich - Very good power forward at the AHL level. Plays with a lot of heart. A real character player for any team.
f) Greg Mauldin - Still developing, but has great skills. Given confidence, he'll become a great player and have his chance to play in the NHL.
g) Mark Hartigan - Great offensive player that creates a lot. He's a very fun player to watch and play with.
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?
Peter: Baseball, tennis or golf. Given the preparation, I think anyone could pursue a profession in athletics. Some are fortunate enough to have natural, God gifted ability.
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Peter: God!
Dave: Other than your brother, who do you hang out with on the team?
Peter: Jamie Pushor and Mathias Trattnig mostly, but I like to hang out with all of the guys.
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Peter: Jamie Pushor, because of his leadership qualities and the way he keeps this team motivated to win.
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Peter: The fans are great and very supportive. I enjoy signing autographs because it's a tremendous compliment and honor. I would say that I'm noticed 50% of the time in public.
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Peter: I would like to coach.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Peter: I never let anything
affect me because I need to stay focused on the positive. Negative
can only distract you and create failure.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Peter Ferraro for taking
the time to do this interview.