Dave:
How did you first get involved in
hockey? What inspired you to bring your game to the pro level?
Adam: Well growing up near
Toronto influences you to start playing hockey at an early age. I
believe I was about 3 or 4 the first time I laced up the skates. The
inspiration to become a pro really came about half way through my junior
career when I was drafted.
Dave: What part of your game do your feel will need the most improvement if you are to make it back to the NHL?
Adam: Prior to the start of this season it was being consistent, not just every night, but period to period as well. I feel this year that has improved drastically.
Dave:
What do you do when not playing
hockey? Hobbies?
Adam:
I am a gamer. Xbox is what
I like to play most, but I still have my old Nintendo from when I was a
youngster. I enjoy mostly sports games, but those guitar hero/rock band
games are quite addictive. During the summer while not playing hockey,
I'd rather be outside or at least more active indoors. That would include
Baseball, Golf or ball hockey.
Dave: You played in the Swiss
league with two ex Crunch players, Josh Holden and Peter Sarno.
Were you impressed by their game?
Adam: Obviously these are two very skilled players. Unfortunately Sarno had some injuries hampering him most of the year. But Holden was a leader (even if he didn't speak the native tongue) and very talented and is leading that league in scoring this season, so far.
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?
Adam: Brian Lee. We played together in Erie (OHL) and then again in Norfolk (AHL). He is currently playing in Stockton (ECHL). We were close friends in junior and then roommates in Norfolk.
Dave: How do you like living in Syracuse? How is it similar to you hometown? How is it different?
Adam: Syracuse has been very enjoyable so far. Haven't experienced the "harsh winter" that I was warned about yet. Hopefully it will take a year off. It's not too similar to my hometown at all really. I guess the only similarity I can even think of is that there is a best buy in both cities. As for differences, I'm sure there is a lot just like any other city. There is more snowfall in Syracuse. Syracuse is a larger city than my hometown...and so on.....
Dave: Which AHL teams do you most enjoy least against? Why?
Adam: I think I can answer both of these questions in one. Personally, I enjoy every game. There is not a team in the league that you can take a night off against.
Dave: The Goaltending shuffle in Syracuse this year has been insane! Six goalies have dressed for the Crunch as of the end of December. Have you ever been in situation like this before in your career?
Adam: It really has been crazy. With myself, Tomas, and Dan all out at the same time. Only one other time have I seen this, and that was my first year pro in Chicago. We had a string of injuries, which is how I got my opportunity. Six goalies played at least one game that year.
Dave: What has been your most memorable Crunch game so far?
Adam: The 2 times we scored 9 goals. Even though I didn't play in them, it's still pretty amazing.
Dave: Who is your favorite (answers in
red)
a) Pro athlete? - Roy Halladay (Blue Jays Pitcher)
b) Hockey player while you were growing up? - I had quite a few but I'll only name a few. Allan Bester, Patrick Roy, Ron Hextall and Grant Fuhr.
c) Non athlete celebrity? - Matt Stone and Trey Parker
d) Musical artist? - I enjoy too many to name them all.
Dave: Comment briefly on the following people (answers in red)
a) Coach Yates - Even though I have had my fair share of injuries this season, he has still giving me a chance to play, which I respect.
b) Tomas Popperle - A very talented goalie that will only get better with time.
c) Jon Mirasty - My roommate on the road and a guy you are glad to have on your team
d) Marc Methot - Very solid defensively and offensively.
e) Darcy Campbell - Good luck in Lake Erie!!
f) Dan Smith - Experienced Vet. Blocks a lot of shots, which I enjoy being a goalie.
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?
Adam:
Not
very talented in any other sport. I would probably play summer beer
league baseball and golf any time I could.
Dave: Who has been the greatest influence on your career thus far?
Adam: All the goalie coaches I have had. Learning from all of them has been very beneficial.
Dave: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are they athletes?
Adam: I
have one sister named Tara. She used to be into gymnastics but now
interior design.
Dave: Who do you hang out with
on the team?
Adam: It's easy to hang out with almost anyone on this team.
Dave: Who do you most admire on the team?
Adam: Our team is made up of a lot of hard working guys who love the sport, so it is tough to pick one.
Dave: How do you feel about the fans? Are you comfortable signing autographs? Are you usually noticed in public?
Adam: The fans in Syracuse are great. If someone asks for an autograph I would never say no. It's tough to smile after a loss sometimes though. The only people who notice me in public are my parents I think.
Dave: What would you like to do when your playing days are over?
Adam: Either get into working for the equipment companies for hockey or hopefully be some sort of goaltending consultant if the interest is out there.
Dave: Do you read any of the stuff on the internet, whether it be positive or negative and let that affect your play?
Adam: I never read the stuff on the internet. I hear some of the stuff from other guys or friends, but it would never affect my play. I don't think you can make it in this business if you do that.
Interviewers note: I would like to thank Adam Munro for taking
the time to do this interview.