Age: 22
Birthplace: Thousand Oaks, California
City of Residence: Honolulu
Occupation: Student
First International Game: 2000 Pan Am Cup USA vs. Mexico
Other Appointments/Tournaments Attended: 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament Auckland, NZL; 2007 XV Pan American Games Rio de Janiero, BRA; 2005 Junior Pan American Championships Havana, CUB; 2004 Pan American Cup London, Ontario CAN; 2003 Pan American Games Santo Domingo, DOM; 2003 Pan American Cup Qualifying Tournament Santo Domingo, DOM; 2002 1st Indoor Pan American Cup Rockville, Md.; 2001 10th World Cup Qualifying Tournament Edinburgh, Scotland; 2000 Americas Cup Havana, Cuba; 2000 Junior Pan American Championships Santiago, Chile
When did you first start playing and why?
A: I was five year old, and I started playing hockey when my parents signed me up for the local U-9 league.
Which teams have you found the hardest to play against? And why?
A: Playing against underdog teams is probably the hardest because you are supposed to win; therefore there is more pressure to get results.
Which player(s) do you most admire? And why?
A: Teun De Nooijer. Everything he does is fluid and seemingly effortless.
It must be pretty hard being an international player, traveling in different time zones and not knowing whether it’s “day or night so to speak,” tell us what a typical playing year would be for you?
A: Normally we do not travel to multiple countries prior to a tournament. All of the team’s preparation is done the States, so traveling to several destinations and adjusting to new time zones is not really an issue. It does of course take a few to days to get rid of get lag, but for me personally, it is just one of the many hurdles a player must jump over during a tournament.
There will be many people wondering how fit you need to be to play at the top level, please tell us a bit about your fitness regime; and please tell us a bit about your pre-match preparation and post match recovery. (Prior to Tournaments such as this, would you change your preparation and fitness regime?).
A: Nick would you be so kind as to answer this question for me?
What changes, if any, would you make to hockey to further improve the game?
A: Instead of a penalty stroke, I would love to see a one on one with the goalkeeper; with the field player starting at the top center of the D and the goalie on his line. Similar to the stroke, both players can move once the umpire blows his whistle.
What would be the highlight/lowlight of your International Career to date? (Highest appointment/game etc).
A: High: Earning the player of the tournament award at the 2005 Jr. Pan American Championships. Low: Losing to Mexico in the 3/4 game at the Jr. Pan Am Championships, and knowing the opportunity to play in a Jr. World Cup was gone.
Do you get nervous before games?
A: It depends on the magnitude of the game and what is at stake, but I usually don’t get nervous before a game.
What advice would you give to the “next generation” of players coming through the age-groups who aspire to be international players?
A: Nothing great will ever happen without sacrifice, and don’t settle for average; strive to be THE best! It is also important to have fun, but at the appropriate time.
How has the game changed over the past five years?
A: The pace of the game has increased significantly, and individuals are becoming more creative (i.e. developing new skills and techniques.) In addition, technology has revolutionized the ways in which teams prepare for tournaments. Just about every competitive team films and diagnoses matches. Video can be used to fix an existing problem within the team or to gain valuable information on an opponent.
What are your goals over the next few years?
A: Progress! I would love to play overseas. Not too sure as to where yet, but I know I want to travel abroad. From a national team standpoint, I am shooting to have more international goals then I do caps. I have many others, but these are a few of my core goals.
What do you like most about hockey and what frustrates you the most?
A: I love the fact that you can always learn something new about game. In my opinion, hockey is one of the hardest sports to advance in, and takes a lot of patience and practice. I guess you could say the challenge of learning fascinates me the most, but at the same time frustrates me the most.
What are your other hockey interests? And interests outside of Hockey?
A: I really enjoy coaching. For the past two fall seasons I coached teenage girls at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, California. Outside of hockey, I enjoy being outdoors. Anywhere from body boarding, hiking, diving, basketball, football; I like to stay active.
You are stuck on an island for five years. Who are the two people you would most like to be with?
A: My family is very important to me, so it would probably have to be my mom and dad!
