Dave:
You look like you have put on some
muscle over the off season. What was your off season
training regime?
Andrew: I followed a
training program designed by CBJ strength coach Barry Brennan. I was
back in Winnipeg in the summer working out with a friend of mine.
Dave: The start of the season had you skating on the first line. Were you comfortable in that role?
Andrew: Yes, although I didn’t put up the offensive numbers I was expecting and hoping for.
Dave: You then returned to a role similar to last season, playing on a checking line. Was that discouraging?
Andrew: No it wasn’t discouraging. I think it’s a compliment when coach puts you up against the other teams top players.
Dave: Now you are playing on the second line with Geoff Platt and Joakim Lindstrom at the line is really starting to click. Why do you think this line has been so successful?
Andrew: I think both Geoff and Joakim are extremely talented players and fun guys to play with.
Dave: You had your
career game to date in December, a four point night against the Phantoms.
Comment on your success in that game if you would.
Andrew: It was a fun night, and rewarding to get some points up on the board.
Dave: One of your goals that night was a shorthanded breakaway. How good did it feel to bury that one?
Andrew: I had a few breakaways up until then that I didn’t score on so it was nice to find the back of the net.
Dave: What are you doing to stay positive during this frustrating season?
Andrew: Working hard, it seems like the team is starting to play a lot better than the start of the year.
Dave: What does this Crunch team need to do to get in the playoff hunt?
Andrew: Put a good stretch of wins together. We also have to make sure we win our all important North division games.
Dave: How has the coaching change in Columbus affected you and your game?
Andrew: Not too much has changed in Syracuse since the coaching change.
Dave: Has there been a trickle down effect for the Crunch? (any system changes, for example)
Andrew: We haven’t changed our systems here.
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?
Andrew:
No
usually that takes place at the end of the season.
Dave:
If you are not offered a contract, is there a particular organization
you would like to see an offer from?
Andrew: I honestly
haven’t even thought about it, I’m just trying to work hard and
concentrate on this season.
Dave:
Which AHL teams do you most enjoy playing against? Why?
Andrew: Manitoba Moose, as I
grew up thirty minutes from downtown Winnipeg.
Dave:
Which AHL teams do you most enjoy least against? Why?
Andrew: I don’t have a
least favorite team to play yet.
Dave: Were you surprised Tyler Kolarik did not return this season?
Andrew: I was a little surprised with Tyler’s decision. I wish him nothing but the best.
Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Yates - Knowledgeable coach
b) Adam Pineault - Rocket of a shot
c) Darcy Verot - Agitator
d) Olivier Labelle - Hard worker
e) Derrick Walser - Skilled defensemen
f) Ben Simon - Plays smart and works hard
Dave: How did you feel about Brandon Sugden leaving the team?
Andrew: It was a decision I didn’t see coming at all. I wish Sugar the best of luck as well.
Dave: What is it like playing for Ross Yates vs. having Gary Agnew at the helm?
Andrew:
Its an adjustment any time there is a
change in coaches.
Dave: Do the rule changes help or hurt your game? Do they give forwards an unfair advantage?
Andrew: I think its how you as a player adjust to the new rules. We have all played with them long enough to know what is being called and what is not.
Dave: Which rule change do you think will have the most positive effect on the game?
Andrew: Its hard to say, the game is faster as the clutching and grabbing is being called.
Dave: Have you had family members come out to see you play yet?
Andrew:
No my parents haven’t been to Syracuse this year. I was hoping to see
them in Winnipeg on Dec.30/31 when we played there. Unfortunately with my
shoulder injury I was unable to make the trip.
Dave:
There are so many new faces this season, is
there anyone that has not returned that you feel would be a perfect fit
for this year’s team?
Andrew: We had a lot of good players and teammates on the team last year, but I couldn’t say or point out one individual.
Dave: The Blue Jacket players put out a holiday CD. Who has the best pipes on the Crunch, in your opinion?
Andrew: We should maybe hold an audition (American Idol style) in the dressing room!
Dave: If your hockey career were to end today, what would be your fondest memory?
Andrew: I have a few fond and proud moments in my career so far. I look forward to adding more memories in the coming years.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Andrew Murray for taking
the time to do this interview.