Dave: How did you prepare for this season?
What was your off season training regimen?
Steven: My off season training
includes going back home for the summer and I have a personal trainer
their that I have been working with for over 5 years. Mostly off ice
training until the start of September when I start training on the ice as
well.
Dave: You played 39 NHL games last season. What do you feel is the biggest difference between playing in the show vs. the AHL?
Steven: I would have to say the biggest difference is the speed at which the game is played. Everyone is a little faster and stronger. Also the travel is a lot better up there since they fly in the night early everywhere you go.
Dave: You had a seven game stint in Columbus already this season. How do you see this year's Jackets comparing to last season's team?
Steven: This years team seems to be a lot more competitive this year and they seem to have a lot more depth this season.
Dave: What is it like to play
with a legend like Sergei Fedorov? Is it hard not to view him
as an Icon, or do you view him as "just another guy on the team"?
Steven: He definitely is a great player, and has so much experience. He is someone to learn from since he has been in the league so long. A guy like Adam Foote is a great role model as well and is great for a young guy like me to be fortunate to get to play with these guys.
Dave: Even though Jody Shelley is the resident enforcer on the Jackets, it seems and/or Ole-Kristian Tollefsen end up dropping the gloves many nights. Is this a side effect of "The New NHL?"
Steven: There definitely is a lot less fighting in the NHL and there is more spontaneous fighting now. It may be easier for guys like me and Ole to get in fights because a lot more people are willing to fight us, and obviously less interested in fighting a heavyweight like Shelley.
Dave: How has the coaching change in Columbus affected you and your game?
Steven: Well I haven't played for the new
coach yet, so I am not sure yet
what it is like, but for me my game doesn't change, I just have to focus
on
playing to my strengths and helping the team win games.
Dave: Has there been a trickle down effect for the Crunch? (any system changes, for example)
Steven: No I don't think so, I think Ross and
Trent have there own game plans
in mind.
Dave: What does this Crunch team need to do to get in the playoff hunt?
Steven: Well after a successful road trip we
just have to come to the rink
every night believing we can win, and believe no matter who we are playing
that we can come up with two points at the end of the night.
Dave: How is the fan support in Columbus?
Steven: The fans are great in Columbus and love there hockey. They always have an awesome attendance and the atmosphere in the building is always exciting.
Dave: This is the last year of your contract with Columbus.
Have you gotten any indication as to whether they will re sign you for
next season?
Steven : No I try not to think of that until the end of the year, and
right now am just focusing on playing my game, and the rest will take
care of itself. I would like to resign with the organization hopefully.
Dave:
If you are not offered a contract, is there a particular organization
you would like to see an offer from?
Steven: I would enjoy returning to this organization, so I haven't
really thought of playing for anyone else. Hopefully I don't have to
worry about it.
Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Yates - demanding
b) Adam Pineault- great vocabulary
c) Olivier Labelle - plays hard
d) Brandon Sugden - miss the guy
e) Ty Conklin - unreal roomy
f) Tomas Popperle- sneaky
g) Derrick Walser -
most improved two touch player
Dave: Were you
surprised Tyler Kolarik did not return this season? Do you keep in
touch?
Steven: Ya I was a little surprised but he had been talking about
other
opportunities at the end of the year. I wish he could have come back , we
could have used a guy like him. We try and keep in touch the best we can.
Dave: Who do you hang
out with when in Columbus? Is there a code of sorts that the
younger guys hang together, the vets do their own thing, etc?
Steven: No not at all, the older guys are great up there. I hang out
mainly with Chimera and Malholtra. But at the same time the older guys are
married, so a lot of the younger guys hang out together. Johnny, Pazzy,
and Ole are up there this year for the year so it is nice to hang out with
them.
Dave: What are you goals for
this season? Both for yourself and the team?
Steven: My goals at the
start of the season was to have a great year and
have a chance either this year or next to earn my way to a spot in the
Blue Jackets lineup
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Steven Goertzen for taking
the time to do this interview.