HOMETOWN
Langley, B.C.
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HOME RINK
The Rinks,
Corona Inline |
HEIGHT
6’ |
WEIGHT
195 lbs |
BIRTHDAY
10/24/1980 |
STICK
(CURVE, LIE, STIFFNESS):
Reebok 10K, Crosby,
100 flex, left |
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WHY ROLLER HOCKEY?
I grew up playing both ice and roller hockey. I have always loved the open style of roller hockey. Besides the open floor,
roller offers a totally different strategy which I really enjoy.
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WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY?
The Rinks/Corona Inline
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BEST TOURNAMENT MEMORY?
Playing for Team Canada in the 2009 World Championships in Germany. We played in front of 6000 fans all cheering for
Germany in our quarterfinal game. It was an incredible experience. I scored 2 goals and was awarded player of the game.
Unfortunately, we were unable to win, but I look forward the possible opportunity of a rematch next year.
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IS THERE A GOAL/HIT/PLAY/ THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Same as above! Followed by a close second, when I knocked out Doug Jones in the IHA at the Anaheim Convention Center
in 2005.
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WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY?
It’s a feeling of accomplishment and pride. Putting on the jersey makes me think of all my heroes growing up, and all the kids
I coach who look up to me now.
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HOW DOES LIVING IN CALIFORNIA COMPARE TO LIVING IN CANADA?
It’s more laid back here, but at the same time, more highly paced (if that makes sense). Hockey isn’t as much a way of life here
as it is in Canada. Here, it’s more about how good you are, and less about the pure enjoyment of the game.
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HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF ROLLER HOCKEY?
I think the emphasis of the international game is good for the future as far as the elite level goes. However the real importance is the introductory/recreational levels. There needs to be a structured league or leagues across the country, state, or cities that allow kids of all abilities to compete and not always feel the stress of winning as the most important thing. Hockey should be fun for kids. Tournaments are great, but the tend to lose focus of grassroots hockey by leaving out the recreational level athletes. Instead, they focus solely on winning. This does not help the rinks which without, the sport will not be able to survive. This is a topic that could be talked about for months, but it is getting better, at least in Southern California due to help from both people who are passionate about survival and growth of the sport, and the Anaheim Ducks.
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IS THERE ONE RESTAURANT, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, THAT YOU
WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND?
Mattern Sausage and Deli in Orange, CA. The best Reuben sandwich and beer in the world!
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WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU AREN’T PLAYING/COACHING
ROLLER HOCKEY?
Watching movies, camping, or just relaxing
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HOW ARE THE ROLLER FANS? CRAZY? CALM? ANY GOOD STORIES?
Roller fans in North America, can be obnoxious and really critical. Roller fans in Europe; intense, fanatic, supportive…
Playing in Europe was incredible. Fans were singing and bouncing together, banging drums, whistling incredibly loud when the
opposition had the puck… absolutely the best playing experience ever!
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EXPLAIN A "DAY IN THE LIFE OF MISHKA"
A typical day in the life of myself would include; waking up at the crack of noon to a cup of coffee and an egg sandwich.
Hanging out with my wife for a couple of hours while listening to music at the pool.
Then, I head to the rink around 2:00 where
I will work until midnight or so, coming home to have dinner and watch a movie. Weekends include going out all day and night to
restaurants, bowling, movies, golf, whatever we feel like doing that particular day. That is one of the great things about Southern California, there is always something to do. On my days off, I try to stay away from the rink to give myself a break!
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WHO IS YOUR HERO?
Indiana Jones and Scott Pincus
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