Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Prestin: I first got involved with hockey when dad took me to
the rink to show me how to skate, but mostly I think to get rid of all
the energy I had as a kid! Not too long after, I was playing on a team,
and we had the time of our lives doing it. Every kid growing up
wanted to play in the NHL, and obviously I was no different. I don't
know what else I'd do with my life without hockey, it just feels too
empty.
Dave: What part of your game do your feel will need the most improvement if you are to make it in the NHL?
Prestin: Learning the pro game and consistently being a factor in every game.
Dave: What do the Columbus brass tell you about your chances? Are they encouraging and motivating?
Prestin: They don't say too much, just that
I need to keep improving every day. They are always very positive about it
though.
Dave:
What was it like to be thrust into the Calder Cup
Playoffs last year?
Prestin: It was fun. I had just finished my college year, and it was good to be able to get an idea of what I was in for this year.
Dave: Was it tough to play with players you have not worked with prior in such an important series?
Prestin: Not really, everyone helped me out to get me adjusted as soon as possible. Paul Traynor made everything a lot less stressful for me by helping in all the drills, and especially during the games. I have a lot of respect for that guy.
Dave: You like to drop the gloves from time to time. What has been your most memorable fight in the AHL so far?
Prestin: None really, hopefully one real good one in the future
though.
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Prestin: I don't really like cities, but I really enjoy living out in Liverpool where it's nice and quiet. The farmland I guess, is somewhat similiar, but that's about it. Southern Saskatchewan is flat and very windy. It's just a lot of farmland, oil and little towns of 600 or so.
Dave: I understand that you grew up with a hometown hockey legend, Kris Hollingshead. Tell us a bit about his legacy?
Prestin: Yes I did, Kris and I never missed a day together at the
rink. Kris was a year older than me, so we got to play together every year
until midget AAA. We moved away to Yorktown to play, and I followed
the next year, while he played in junior. When I go home, and walk
into our rink, there can be whispers heard in the stands that repeat,
Gitch.....Gitch.....
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Prestin: Hang out with the wife and dogs. Socom 2, Tiger woods 2005,
for PS2
Dave: What are the details of
your contract?
Prestin: 1 year deal
Dave: You played your college hockey at the University of Maine. What was it like to play at a school with such a strong tradition of success?
Prestin: It was awesome. The fans were great there, it was
everything to the state, and we always seemed to have a good team. I never
would have made it to pro if I wouldn't have played there. I owe a lot to
that program.
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?
Prestin: Erik
Leefe, because I played with him in junior, and we went ice fishing
everyday.
Dave: Who is your favorite (answers in
red)
a) Pro athlete? - Mike Vick
b) Hockey player while you were growing up? - Scott Stevens
c) Non athlete celebrity? - Chris Farley
d) Musical artist? - Switchfoot
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Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Agnew - Gets on you when you need it, but doesn't push you over the edge.
b) Howard Dolgon - I saw his picture in the media guide.
c) Brandon Sugden- Knows his role, and does it every single night.
d) Zenith Komarniski - Very strong on his skates, and can break it out under lots of pressure.
e) Ole Kristian Tollefsen - A Euro playing a north American type game, I love it!
f) Jamie Pushor - Makes good decisions all over the ice, one of the smartest players I've seen. He makes coming to the rink every day a lot of fun.
g) Andre Lakos - Excellent passer, puts it right on the tape, and hard.
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?
Prestin: Golf. I doubt it, but I could see myself being not bad, simply because if I practiced every day how bad could I be?
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Prestin: Dad, his patience through the tough times, and decisions throughout my career have got me where I am now.
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes? Have family members come to see you play?
Prestin:
I got 2 brothers Cooper 18 and Corie 29, sister Amanda 28. They've all
played hockey, Cooper is actually in junior right now in Saskatchewan
trying to further his career. Mom and dad and cooper came out to Edmonton.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Prestin: Everyone
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Prestin: Mr. Push
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Prestin: Fans are awesome here. Always enjoy signing autographs. I rarely get noticed in public..
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Prestin: Not sure, I'll figure it out along the way.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Prestin: No, I'm into seeing pictures though.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Prestin Ryan for taking
the time to do this interview.