Dave: It has been a struggle so far
for the Crunch this season. Why such a difference from your
successful team of last season?
Geoff: The amount of player personnel
changes greatly effects a team overall success. Our team last season
featured some very successful players (Delmore, Sarno, Penner).
As this season's team matures, so will the players that we've acquired to
fill in the gaps left by last season.
Dave: What are you doing to stay positive during this frustrating time?
Geoff: We have a very positive minded team that makes any situation very comfortable. As a unit, we are very cohesive which makes the added pressure of winning, a fun task.
Dave: What does this Crunch team need to do to get in the playoff hunt?
Geoff:
Our hockey club needs several aspects of our season
to be favorable. Winning games more than we lose and failure by teams
ahead of us in the standings will give us the optimum opportunity to get
ourselves in a position for a playoff run.
Dave: What is it like playing for Ross Yates vs. having Gary Agnew at the helm?
Geoff: There was a learning period for us as players and Ross as a coach relearning the team in front of him. Our trust in Ross grows each day we play for him and I think every coach aims to gain the trust of his team. Gary coached us the same way earning our trust each and every game so to say there is any difference, there is so many similarities because Ross coached years under Gary and gained much experience.
Dave: How has the coaching change in Columbus affected you and your game?
Geoff: It gives myself and every other player in the organization a fresh opportunity to prove his worth.
Dave: Has there been a trickle down effect for the Crunch? (any system changes, for example)
Geoff: Not particularly. Ross has a vision of how he wants our club to play, and we try to do our best to please.
Dave: Were you surprised to start the season in Columbus?
Geoff: My goal coming into the 06-07 season was to have as successful a preseason as possible. However the team was picked I just wanted to feel satisfied with my effort. I was, and was rewarded for my accomplishments.
Dave: Was it a big let down that you were send to Syracuse so quickly?
Geoff: Like I said before, I was very satisfied with my performance in the preseason and I understand that our sport like any other is a business.
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"?
Geoff: He makes himself very approachable which defuses any sort of "legend or icon" feeling. Plus, we both play tennis! An easy conversation piece.
Dave: How is the fan support in Columbus?
Geoff: Tremendous. The fan base is past the learning phase as with any new sport and understand our game of hockey. Along with a beautiful building, the fans have a team that makes the city of Columbus proud.
Dave: How did you feel about Brandon Sugden leaving the team?
Geoff: Brandon was a very good friend of mine so of course it was disappointing not being able to be a teammate with him. On the other hand, I understood his reasoning for leaving and it made too much sense not to retire so I support his decision 100%
Dave: Were you surprised Tyler Kolarik did not return this season? Do you keep in touch?
Geoff: I was. After his success at the end of last season I was surprised not to see his return. No we don't keep in touch.
Dave: Do you think your success last season as an un drafted free agent helped pave the way for a player like Olivier Labelle to get a similar look this season ?
Geoff:
Pave, no. But maybe open some eyes, yes. Olivier
will pave his own path with his very positive play this season.
Dave: Do you have any advice for him?
Geoff: Continue what you're doing and to stay positive.
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?
Geoff: I think the first difference I noticed between junior and pro was the introduction of families. At our level and age we understand that guys have families and should always put them first. I do tend to hang around with guys more my age (Leclaire, Fritsche, Klesla)
Dave: How about some of the guys that went to Europe to play this season? ( Sarno, MacMillan, Mauldin, etc) Have you been in touch with anyone? How are they doing?
Geoff: I haven't been in touch with any of them but I am sure they're all very successful.
Dave: The Blue Jacket players put out a holiday CD. Who has the best pipes on the Crunch, in your opinion?
Geoff: Hmm. if I have to think this long I'm pretty sure that there isn't anyone that would make us proud lol. At a karaoke party we might have a better shot at winning the nights "American Idol"
Dave: How did you spend your Holidays? Did you get to do anything special in the short time you have off.
Geoff: I spent it with family in Montreal, where my mothers side of the family resides.
Dave: What are you goals for
this season? Both for yourself and the team?
Geoff: Play a positive style game each night.
to bring an attitude that would best represent our team. Team wise, to
play to our fullest potential and to outwork each of our opponents.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Geoff
Platt for taking
the time to do this interview.