NIHL South Editor Chris (Badger) Randall caught up with the Wightlink Raiders Head Coach to reflect on his time in the game, and what the future may possibly hold after recently announcing his decision to hang the skates up.
The
"Badger" put him under the spotlight.....
Badger: At what age did you learn to skate and get
involved in playing ?.
JC: I started skating pretty young maybe three or four and started
playing at seven. I played for my local team right up until I left to play Jr.
A in Aurora. I have found memories growing up in my home town of Lucan, Ontario
and we won a number of tournaments and All-Ontario Championships. I had some
excellent coaches along the way and my Dad being one of them! Even at that
young age, all I wanted to do was become a professional hockey player and I'm
pretty sure not too many people expected me to progress the way I did.
Badger: Who
was responsible/ how did it come about putting the skates on from the
beginning ?
JC: My Dad was responsible for giving me the opportunity to play. I
started later than most of my friends because I hated putting the equipment on!
Both my parents were very supportive throughout the years and have travelled a
lot of miles to watch me play.
Badger: What
age did you turn pro and just before that did you go the college
hockey route like most Canadiens ? .
JC: Before I played professionally, I played three years of junior A. Two
years in Aurora, Ontario and one year in Truro, Nova Scotia. The first two
years I had maybe the best coach in my career, Brad Selwood was a former
Toronto Maple Leaf. He instilled a lot of the values I still carry today with
me as a coach. He was old school, honest and loved tough players.
Badger: >
From them early days did you get thrown into becoming an enforcer/dropping the
gloves ?. Or was it something you just liked ? .
JC : I wouldn't say I was thrown into it, but I was decent at it and
I really liked the fact I was sticking up for team mates and I knew if I wanted
to play professionally that would be the role I would have to play. I'm very
fortunate that I have been able to play for as long as I have. There is a lot
of negative press right now about fighting in hockey, but I try to think about
what hockey has given me. I was fortunate to receive a University degree from
my time in Basingstoke, travel and live in a lot of places I would have never
visited and met my wife Rachael during my time in Newcastle.
Badger: When
you came to the Uk for the first time, during your time in the Elite League who
would you say are the top 3 true tough guys you have fought ? .
JC : I have fought a lot of tough guys over the years, but the three
toughest have to be Wade Belak, Chris Mcallister and Mel Anglested. All three
guys were very tough and to be totally honest, very intimidating. Fighting
those guys were big highlights from my career, because those were players that
have played and fought in the NHL. It was always nice to test myself against
guys like that and see how I would do.
Badger :
Over the years was you ever nervous before a fight ?. Especially if it
was pre meditated ? .
JC : Now that I don't fight often, I do sometimes reflect back on
those days. I'm not sure I realised how nervous I was before big games, I liked
to fight early in games and get it out of the way so I could focus on playing.
I always enjoyed testing myself against other tough guys and I really enjoyed
playing my role within the team.
Badger :
If there was a couple of things to describe what you like about playing on the
island what would they be ? . (Doesn't necessarily have to be hockey
related).
JC : I've loved my time on the Isle of Wight as player-coach. I
remember walking into the rink for the first time and thinking, what the hell
have I got myself into here. Three years before that I had won the Elite League
play-offs with Newcastle in front of 9000 people in Nottingham and now I was
standing in the cube! It didn't take long for the Arena to become my favourite
place to play though. It's a small rink and must be a terrible place for away
teams to come and play. We have had an excellent home record over the years and
that's because the rink is small and my teams always love playing for our home
fans. We have the best support in the league and I believe our team is the best
run team in the league. We have fantastic owners in Geoff and Steve and have
always been great to work for.
Badger: Of
all your years playing what is your career highlight ? . Or are there several
that stick out ?
JC : I have lots of fond memories from everywhere I've played, but
the Elite League play-off title with Newcastle, the League title with the
Raiders in 2010 and finally our play-off win last season after making the
finals on five other occasions without winning. The trophies have been
fantastic, but I think reflecting back on how far our team on the Island has
come during the last seven years is a massive accomplishment. I'm really proud
of the fact that our players love playing for our club, we've had a number of
fantastic young men play for our club and their commitment to travelling or
living on the island has always been wonderful.
Badger :
You have announced this is your last season playing. If the offer is
there would you return as head coach for the Wightlink Raiders ?. Or is there
more JC to be seen in British hockey ? .
JC : Yes, this is my last year playing and I would like to continue
from behind the bench next year. As the league gets better each year, I think
it's time to hang the skates up and bring in another import to take my place.
I've enjoyed every minute of playing on the island, but I'm really excited to
get behind the bench and give my full attention to just coaching.
I'll be in talks with Geoff and Steve in the near future and I hope they
want to get a deal done.
Badger: Finally
in your own words what's your final thought to Uk hockey fans in general ?
.
JC : I've met a lot of great people while I've played in the UK and
I would like to thank them for all of their support over the years. I may not
have been everyone's favourite player, but I know I gave 100 percent for every
club I played for.
Finally not playing and having to deal with the aches and pain on a
Monday morning will be nice, after hanging them up after the conclusion of this
season.
Badger: With
your career of the ice going well , and two children to possibly follow in your
footsteps I'm guessing your wife Rachel has been one of your biggest
supporters over the years? .
JC: I would like to thank my parents for getting me into this
great sport and all they have done for me from a young age. Later years I met
my wife Rachel whilst in the North East when playing in the Elite League.
Rachel would be there every game and would like to thank my lovely wife
for all her unwavering support over the years...as well as my parents. I
owe then so much.
Well there
you have it, guys across the league will have one less heavyweight to deal with
next year. Let's hope the likeable Canadian Mr Jeremy Cornish stays in the
game....no doubt he island faithful will be hoping behind their bench challenging
the NIHl South's top teams.