Favourite NHL team?

Buffalo Sabres.

Why?

When we were travelling around a couple of years ago we caught a couple of their games and it just went from there. And I’m a big fan of Jack Eichel.

Favourite player?

Jack Eichel or Ryan O’Reilly.

What got you into hockey?

Pretty much the same as everyone else, I guess. Started playing inline then when that shut down just moved over, followed my brother, to ice hockey.

Biggest practical joker on the team?

There’s a few. Probably Timmy (Stanger). I’d have to go with Timmy.

If you had the chance to spend a day with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be?

What did everyone else say? Ummm… Probably, I don’t know, a country music star. So probably Taylor Swift or someone like that.

Really?

Yeah… maybe a pop star. Nah, Taylor Swift. We’ll go with Taylor Swift.

Favourite city to visit/play and why?

Newcastle, because our fans are awesome. But beside Newcastle probably Melbourne or Canberra. Both have great atmosphere. A lot of fun, especially down in Canberra. Nice small rink so you don’t have to skate as much, which is good.

When you're not playing hockey, what do you like to do?

I’m a primary school teacher, so that takes up a lot of my time. In summer wakeboarding, or hang out with mates. I’m a Raiders (NRL) fan, so, watching footy, or getting upset about footy.

Favourite hockey movie?

Probably Miracle. You can’t go wrong with Miracle.

What's your weapon of choice in a zombie apocalypse?

Probably a bow and arrow. Something like that. Or, a sword I guess. Just chop the head off. Something easy, like that.

Do you have a pre-game pump-up song?

No, not really. Usually whatever Wetini or Timmy is playing on the stereo. That’s about it.

Do you have a pre-game ritual or any superstitions?

Definitely just two-touch. Playing two touch. And before the game I usually just hit the goal post three times. I don’t know why. It’s something I’ve done for a couple of years.

Why is two-touch a pre-game thing?

I have no idea. It’s so fun. I think a few of the boys, if we weren’t playing hockey, would meet up just to play two-touch, it’s so fun. Just go out and kick the footy around.

Two-touch is pretty self-explanatory, but can you explain two-touch?

Pretty much it’s just a circle of guys and just gotta keep the ball up. If you’re the last one to touch it and hits the ground, you’re out. You can only touch it a maximum of two times. That’s it in a nutshell.

Favourite comic book hero and why?

Arrow. Green Arrow… The Arrow, whatever his name is.

What would you say or do to get someone who has no idea about hockey to a game?

A lot of people are usually pretty keen, you don’t need to say too much. It’s just word of mouth letting them know there is hockey and it’s a high standard, especially in Newcastle and you don’t need to say much more, they’re pretty keen. They’ve usually seen Mighty Ducks or something and know it’s pretty relatable to NRL, it’s pretty physical. Once they come, they’re pretty hooked.

Most memorable hockey moment?

Probably the OT winner from last year. I don’t think I’ll top that one in a little while, or ever. That was pretty special. I’m still pretty shocked.