Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Ole-Kristian: I first got involved when a buddy of mine in
kindergarten started on a hockey school. Well, that has to be when I got
drafted by CBJ, and really had the chance to turn it big.
Dave: What part of your game do your feel will need the most improvement if you are to make it in the NHL?
Ole-Kristian: Offense, skating, good passes. And everything else.
Dave: What do the Columbus brass tell you about your chances? Are they encouraging and motivating?
Ole-Kristian: We aren't talking to
them that much, but they are saying to keep it up and just keep working
hard everyday.
Dave:
Do you feel you play a more physical game
than most European defensemen?
Ole-Kristian: I think I am. I love playing physical and that is little different from other European players.
Dave: Fellow Norwegian Espen Knutsen was a star with the Blue Jackets. Have you met him? Is he a player you look up to?
Ole-Kristian: Yah, I have met him several times. He's a good guy, and for sure a person to look up to.
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Ole-Kristian: Syracuse is a good place to live, but it's way different from Oslo and Lillehammer. I would say that almost everything is opposite ;)
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Ole-Kristian: Playing guitar, watch movies, motorbikes and lots
others
Dave: What are the details of
your contract?
Ole-Kristian: I signed a 3 year contract this summer.
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?
Ole-Kristian: Ryan Craig (Springfield) great player and person, Jordin Tootoo, great body checker, love to have on the team, hate to play against.
Dave: I understand there was a bet between the team's defensemen that the last one to score a goal buys dinner. Have you had the dinner yet, and if so, how much did it cost you?
Ole-Kristian: Ha-ha, yah, Ended up being me. Cost me $300, which wasn't too bad. We went to Ichiban Japanese Steak House.
Dave: Who is your favorite (answers in
red)
a) Pro athlete? - Nicklas Lidstrom
b) Hockey player while you were growing up? -Nicklas Lidstrom
c) Non athlete celebrity? - Bruce Willis
d) Musical artist? - Metallica
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Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Agnew - Good leader who knows lots about hockey.
b) Howard Dolgon - Don't know to much about him. Rich, good taste in sport ;) and seems like a good guy
c) Francois Beauchemin- Plays tons every night, he's tough and has a great shot.
d) Zenith Komarniski - Great person, hard wrist shot and great blocking
e) Prestin Ryan - Good skater, quick and aggressive player who loves the game
f) Jamie Pushor - Great patience, good veteran skills, great leader and a funny guy
g) Andre Lakos - Big strong hard shooting European with great hands.
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?
Ole-Kristian: Snowboarding. I dont know if I could be a pro at it. I thought it was really fun, and I could have done it more...
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Ole-Kristian: My mom and dad bringing me to the rink everyday for practice and games.
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes? Have family members come to see you play?
Ole-Kristian:
One older sister who used to play European handball. Not any more. My
family was over for Christmas.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Ole-Kristian: All the young guys
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Ole-Kristian: Jamie Pushor... Been in the game for a long time..500 NHL games says a lot
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Ole-Kristian: The fans are great, don't mind signing anything. Don't get noticed that much in public...
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Ole-Kristian: Scout, or something that is about hockey for sure.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Ole-Kristian: No, My mind is always focused when I'm in the rink. It is my job, and I love it..
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Ole-Kristian
Tollefsen for taking
the time to do this interview.