Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Matthias: I played all kinds of
sports when I was young, soccer, tennis, judo, waterskiing, and hockey.
My parents gave me the chance, and so in the end I just liked hockey the
best. Then I got a chance to get a scholarship through hockey and study
in the united states, and got a chance to play pro after that.
Dave:
Is it hard to return to work after a
summer off? How did you spend your summer?
Matthias: It usually is hard to leave home , but after a couple days and once hockey starts up or training camp it's a lot of fun. I usually spent my summers at home in Austria, working out with fellow Austrian hockey players.
Dave: When did you first find out you would be coming to North America for this season?
Matthias: Well around June, after the world championships in Prague.
Dave: Has it helped you to have fellow Austrian Andre Lakos on the squad?
Matthias: We have known each other for a long time, so yes it
always helps to have a good old friend on the team.
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Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Matthias:
Obviously it is a lot different since I am from Austria, the only thing
that pretty much the same it is the weather and snow.
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Matthias: I like to read, play around on the internet , and go to
movies.
Dave: What are the details of
your contract?
Matthias: I have a one year contract and Columbus has a 1 year
option for next year.
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?
Matthias: Matthias: It would be Mikael Wahlberg, he was my center last year, he was a good guy and great to play with.
Dave: You played your college hockey at the University of Maine. Former Crunch star Steve Kariya was a teammate of yours. What was it like to play with him.?
Matthias: He is a very explosive and skilled player. He gives a 100% everyday and was a great guy of ice too.
Dave: You play a much more physical game than the European forwards we are accustom to seeing? Has this always been your style or have you adapted it for the AHL?
Matthias: I like to play physical, its part of my game, but I think I have to play even more physical.
Dave: The shootout has been your specialty this season. What do you attribute your success to?
Matthias: I just don't think to much of the outcome, that way I stay relaxed and some time it works!
Dave: Who is your favorite ( answers in red)
a) Pro athlete?
- Lance Armstrong
b) Hockey player while you were growing up?
- Wayne Gretzky
c) Non athlete celebrity?
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
d) Musical artist? - U2
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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?
Matthias: I would probably play tennis, to late now to find out if I could have made it as a pro.
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Matthias: My parents
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes? Have family members come to see you play?
Matthias:
I have brother, and my mom came to see me for a week.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Matthias: Lakos, Svitov, Sannitz, Sugden, Tollefson
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Matthias: Fans are a big part of the game, I like them
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Matthias: I will probably work in the family business.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Matthias: no to both
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Matthias Trattnig for taking
the time to do this interview.