Archive for the ‘Q&A’ Category

Quickfire Q&A w/ Joel Whited (F)

Joel Whited Playing For Bismarck (NAHL)

Joel Whited (F)

Joel Whited came to Menomonie via Indianapolis, IN where he still has family roots.  Joel spent time in the United States Hockey League but finally found a home in 2007-2008 with the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League.  That season he played in 55 games tallying 18G and 19A for 37 pts.  After a successful season with the Bobcats, he headed south for UW-Stout!

We had a chance to catch-up with the 6″2 200lb forward over the winter break for a quickfire Q&A session!

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL player?

Joel – Johan Franzen

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL team?

Joel – Detroit Red Wings

Stouthockey.com – Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Joel – UW-Stevens Point

Stouthockey.com – Favorite model of skates?

Joel – Bauer Vapor x50′s

Stouthockey.com – Blondes or Brunettes?

Joel – Brunettes!

Stouthockey.com – What do you do when your not playing hockey?

Joel – You’d find me back home in Indiana working with my dad.

Whited With Peter's Cup (2008-2009)

Q&A: Garrett Grimstad (F)

Garrett Grimstad playing prep at Century High School

Garrett Grimstad came to the Blue Devils from the Alexandria Blizzard of the NAHL, but that’s not where he began his junior career.

Garrett had a stand-out prep career at Century High School in Rochester, MN where in his senior season Grimstad netted 21G 47A for 68 points in just 31 games.  He was also all-conference, team leading scorer, team captain, team MVP and all-state honorable mention.  A laundry list, right?  He headed right for the USHL after his impressive prep career.  After a short time with the Green Bay Gamblers, Grimstad took a step back and re-evaluated his junior career options.

Former Century High teammate Joe Knoepke was heading back to the Blizzard for the 2007-2008 season after a 36-game stint in the USHL.  Grimstad seized the opportunity to re-unite with his former prep teammate.  Grimstad was an easy decision for the Alexandria coaching staff and made the team in 2007-2008.

During that season Grimstad had 10G and 25A for 35 points in 46 games.  He improved over the off-season and returned the next year racking up 11G and 31A for 42 points in 54 games.  It was this season where he caught the eye of UW-Stout head coach Terry Watkins.

During his years with Alexandria, Grimstad skated with two other freshmen Blue Devils.  Long-time friend Joe Knoepke and Sam Carr of Roseau H.S.  All three have been critical additions to the UW-Stout roster this season and have really shown great promise.

Grimstad is majoring in Applied Science.

Garrett Grimstad (10) Joe Knoepke (21) Sam Carr (24)

We had a chance to catch up with Garrett during winter break…

Interview

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL player?

Garrett: Marion Gaborik

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL team?

Garrett: Whichever team is winning.

Stouthockey.com – What is your favorite arena to play-in in the NCHA?

Garrett: Obviously my favorite arena is the Dunn County Ice Palace! Great Atmosphere and great fans!

Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals you have to do?

Garrett: I have to tape my stick the certain way. I have to buy a 5-hour energy and it must be berry. I need Swedish fish to eat before warm ups and share with Jesse. I always have to put the left side of my equipment on before the right side.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have a favorite stick?

Garrett: Easton Stealth

Stouthockey.com – Favorite skates?

Garrett: Vapor X60’s

Stouthockey.com – Blondes or brunettes?

Garrett: I like those blondes but I also like to mix in a brunette now and then

Stouthockey.com – Boxers or briefs?

Garrett: Boxers

Stouthockey.com – Speed boat or pontoon boat?

Garrett: It’s always nice having a few drinks and floating around on the pontoon.

Stouthockey.com – When not playing hockey, what would we find you doing?

Garrett: Well you can always find me out on the golf course hacking away. I also like to fish, hang out with my buddies, playing cards; I just like to enjoy my free time.

Stouthockey.com – Goals for the team this year?

Garrett: The ultimate goal is to win the national title and we have the leadership and the depth to make it all of the way.

Q&A With Brandon Larson (D)

larson1Brandon Larson is a local boy, a native of New Richmond, Wisconsin.  New Richmond is about 25 minutes west of Menomonie.  At 6″4 and 225lbs, Larson fits the bill well as an NCHA defenseman.  He played his junior hockey with the Northern Iowa Outlaws and the Alexandria Blizzard in the North American Hockey League.  In high school Larson was all-conference two years, first team all-state and his team’s high scorer.  Playing college hockey was a dream for Larson.  He is the first one in his family to attend a four-year university.  He has been receiving steady ice time this season after Bobby Kuehl got injured against SNC during opening weekend. 

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL player?
Brandon:  Brett Burns
Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL team?
Brandon:  Minnesota Wild
Stouthockey.com – What is your favorite arena to play-in in the NCHA?
Brandon:  Well with myself not being able to play yet at all of the arenas my options are limited, but UW-Superior for sure after the Peters Cup last year.
Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals you have to do?
Brandon:   *Laugh* Yeah, unlike most guys on the team, i have plenty that i do every day in the same order.  I start off with going to the store, buying a 5 hour energy with a powerade and a candy bar.  Getting to the rink, listening to the same play list 3 times till warm-ups, taping my stick 35 min before warm-ups, and making sure i get dressed the same way at the same time every game.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have a favorite stick?

Brandon: I haven’t used a good one piece in a couple years, but i would have to say Easton SE 17 forsberg curve 100 flex.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite skates?

Brandon:  Well it’s hard to find skates my size but i do like vapor 50′s

Stouthockey.com – Blondes or brunettes?

Brandon:  Well i’ve been in trouble a lot with blondes, but that’s the fun part, so i gotta stick with blondes *laugh*

Stouthockey.com – Boxers or briefs?

Brandon:  Boxers 100 %
Stouthockey.com – Speed boat or pontoon boat?
Brandon:  Speed boat, pontoons are boring

Stouthockey.com – When not playing hockey, what would we find you doing?

Brandon:  Probably relaxing in my bed, or building something from scratch with wood, nails and a hammer.

Stouthockey.com – Goals for the team this year?
Brandon:  Obviously make it to NY again, but just play like we all know how to play,  we all know we can do it.

Q&A: Scott Motz (F)

hs_hoc_motz_scott_1Scott Motz has been an integral part of the Blue Devils success during his three years at Stout. A 6″1 forward, Motz is a play-maker on Stout’s dangerous first line playing alongside Derek Hanson and Joel Gaulrapp.  Motz played for the Alexandria Blizzard in the NAHL with current Blue Devils Paul Henderson and Bobby Kuehl.  During the 2004-2005 season, Motz put up 9pts for the Blizzard.

Motz is known as ‘motor’ to most of his teammates and for good reason. He never takes a shift off and is always striving to get the best out of his fellow teammates when the chips are down.  In high school Motz was the team captain while also being recognized all-conference, honorable mention all-state and the teams MVP.  He has brought that tenacity and team mentality to UW-Stout where he racked up 14G 23A for 37pts last season.  That’s good enough for 3rd on the team as well as the NCHA conference.

Motz may not have the quickest feet, but when he’s able to get to the open ice Motz can put the puck away as good as he can sauce a pass to the back door for some amazing plays.  Vision is a great asset that Motz have and I’m sure Hanson and Gaulrapp are appreciative!  It is also rumored Motz has one of the hardest shots on the team.

Watch this video that shows Scott Motz making an amazing pass to Jack Wolgemuth in the NCAA National Tournament last season, ulimately leading UW-Stout to Lake Placid, NY.

Q&A

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL player?

Scott Motz – Ryan Smyth

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL team?

Scott Motz – Minnesota Wild

Stouthockey.com – What has been your best hockey moment to date?

Scott Motz – Being at the Xcel Energy Center with my dad when the University of Minnesota won the national title

Stouthockey.com – What is your favorite place to play in the NCHA, besides the Dunn of course!

Scott Motz – UW-Stevens Point

Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals or routines you can share?

Scott Motz – pre-game coffee with my line-mate Joel Gaulrapp

Stouthockey.com – Favorite kind of stick?

Scott Motz – Whatever is free *laugh*

Stouthockey.com – Favorite kind of skates?

Scott Motz – Bauer

Stouthockey.com – We don’t want to get you in trouble here motor, but– blondes or brunettes?

Scott Motz – Brunettes

Stouthockey.com – Boxers or briefs?

Scott Motz – Boxer-briefs

Stouthockey.com – Your out on the lake for the day, pontoon boat or speed boat?

Scott Motz – Pontoon

Stouthockey.com – What could we find you doing outside of hockey?

Scott Motz – Either playing softball, spending time at my cabin or hitting the links.

Stouthockey.com – What is your goal for this team in 2009-2010?

Scott Motz – Hopefully take the final step and win a National Championship.

Q&A: Andy Sternberg (F)

Andy Sternberg has a history of being a ‘team’ guy all the way back to his high school days in Duluth, MN.  The 5’11 175lb senior will likely take on that roll again for his last season with the Blue Devils.  Sternberg was his high school’s team captain and was named to the CCM All-Star team, if that weren’t enough, Sternberg also won the ‘We Not Me’ award.

After his high school days, Sternberg headed to the North American Hockey League (NAHL) where he played seven games for the Minnesota Blizzard in 2003-2004.  The following season Sternberg found himself playing for the Springfield Spirit and finally the Wasilla Spirit in 2005-2006.  During his last year of juniors, Sternberg notched 11G and 10A in 54 games.

Sternberg matches the philosophy of head coach Terry Watkins.  Bring in good kids from good families and develop them into great hockey players.  ’Bergy’ as he is better known around the Dunn Co. will be looked to for his leadership both on and off the ice.  During the 2008-2009 season, Sternberg contributed 19pts including three on the power play and two shorties.

bergypic

Andy Sternberg vs. CSS in NCAA quarterfinal

Andy Sternberg hoisting the NCHA Peter's Cup

Andy Sternberg hoisting the NCHA Peter's Cup

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Q&A With Andy

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL player, past or present?

Andy Sternberg – George Parros

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL team?

Andy Sternberg – Minnesota Wild

Stouthockey.com – Favorite DI collegiate team?

Andy Sternberg – North Dakota

Stouthockey.com – Best hockey moment in your life to date?

Andy Sternberg – I have a couple of them:  Minnesota State High School tournament, winning the Peter’s Cup and playing in Lake Placid, NY.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Andy Sternberg – Dunn Co.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals or

Andy Sternberg: Stretching Larson’s hamstrings until he screams

Stouthockey.com – Favorite kind of stick?

Andy Sternberg: CCM U+ Recci

Stouthockey.com – Favorite kind of skates?

Andy Sternberg: Graf

Stouthockey.com – Do you prefer blondes or brunettes?

Andy Sternberg – Blondes

Stouthockey.com – The ladies want to know Andy, boxers or briefs?

Andy Sternberg - Boxers

Stouthockey.com – Cruising the lake on a pontoon boat or ripping wake on a speed boat?

Andy Sternberg – I’d rather opt for the 16.5’ Lund fishing boat equipped with a 25 horse Evinrude

Stouthockey.com – What are your plans after you graduate from UW-Stout?

Andy Sternberg – Land a job which allows me to fish a few times a week! That or become a driller.

Stouthockey.com – Hobbies outside of dangling on the ice?

Andy Sternberg: Golf and fishing

Stouthockey.com – What are your goals/expectations of yourself and your teammates in 2009-2010.

Andy Sternberg – Continue off of our success the past few years. Keep pushing each other and making strides to become a better team every day.

Stouthockey.com – What was it like to play where Team USA won the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics?

Andy Sternberg – Something I will never forget. It was an honor to be able to skate in that building knowing the events that took place in that arena.

Stouthockey.com – What do you see your role as on the team next season?

Andy Sternberg – Be a leader on and off the ice, do whatever it takes for the team to succeed.

Q&A: Jared Britton (F)

Jared Britton (JR) is a proud Canadian faithful, you’ll often find him toting pictures of his latest catch from fishing trips in his ‘homeland’.  When not catching dinner on the lake, you’ll find Britton burying goals on the pond.  A native of Regina, Saskatchewan Britton has a small frame standing 5’10 and 175lbs. What he lacks in size Britton makes up for in tenacity.

‘Deaner’ as he is often called played junior A hockey in the Superior International Junior Hockey League or SIJHL for the Schreiber Diesels. During the 2006-2007 season, the Diesels finished 2nd overall in the SIJHL with a 33-11-2 record.  Much thanks to the contributions of Britton who put up 26G and 32A (58pts) in just 38 games.

Britton has struggled slightly in his transition to Div. III hockey putting up only 5 points in 28 games.  With two seasons under his belt, 2009-2010 could prove to be his break out year while seeing more ice time.  Jared Britton, a player to keep your eye on in 2009-2010!

Jared is majoring in Engineering Technology at UW-Stout.

deaner

fishin

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Stouthockey.com: Favorite NHL Player?

Jared Britton: Grettterrr the great one

Stouthockey.com: Favorite NHL team?

Jared Britton: Philadelphia Flyers

Stouthockey.com: Favorite DI collegiate team?

Jared Britton: Denver

Stouthockey.com: Best hockey moment in your life to date?

Jared Britton: Winning the championship in Superior last year , ‘getting drafted 3rd round by the Atlanta Thrashers’ or singing Canada’s national anthem with Pischlar (goaltender – Sudbury, ON) to the team at practice

Stouthockey.com: What is your favorite place to play at in the NCHA, excluding the Dunn of course!

Jared Britton: Stevens Point because of the college atmosphere

Stouthockey.com: Do you have any pre-game rituals we should know about?

Jared Britton: Wake up around ten and make banana pancakes for the men, play some video games or watch a movie until around 2 p.m., go to the gym and start warming up/stretching, make a nice meal (usually pasta with mean sauce) around 3 p.m. and head to the rink around 5 p.m., Once there— Listen to weezy, tape my stick and make sure there’s no girls in the room when Motz comes to take his pre-game shower.

Stouthockey.com:  Do you have a preferred stick you like to dangle with?

Jared Britton: Fresh 85 flex Synergy

Stouthockey.com: How about skates?

Jared Britton: Reebok 9k’s

Stouthockey.com: Describe what it was like to play in Lake Placid, NY last season.

Jared Britton: It was pretty incredible from staying in the Olympic Training Center to playing in the Herb Brooks Arena. Something that I will never forget throughout my life and a place where I would love to go back to again this year.

Stouthockey.com: Funniest thing you’ve encountered being Canadian now living in the U.S.

Jared Britton: The guys on the team give me a hard time about eating dill pickle spitz in the garage (sunflower seeds), Going to the bank and a lady didn’t believe I was actually from a city called Regina and was offended when I pronounced it.  (RUH-GYNE-UH)

Stouthockey.com:  Who are some people you look up to?

Jared Britton: Syd the kid, Shaun White, George Jung and my dad

Stouthockey.com: Blondes or brunettes?

Jared Britton: Brunettes

Stouthockey.com: Boxers or Briefs?

Jared Britton: Briefs

Stouthockey.com: Speed boat… or pontoon boat?

Jared Britton: Pontoons, the possibilities are endless

Stouthockey.com: What’s your plans for after you graduate from UW-Stout?

Jared Britton: Go to Thailand or travel around for 3 months and experience different cultures and then start a manufacturing business

Stouthockey.com: When your not burying ginos or trash talking on NHL 10 (Xbox 360), what do you enjoy doing?

Jared Britton: Catch butterflies, collect my bellybutton lint, people watch, golf, play pog, snowboard, stain decks, travel, star gaze, buy furniture, cook , throw the Frisbee around, fish ,smoosh softballs with the men and play Call of Duty (Xbox).

Stouthockey.com: What are your goals/expectations of yourself and your teammates in 09-10?

Jared Britton: Defend our title in the NCHA and make it back to Lake Placid

Q&A: Matt Morin (F)

Matt Morin has grown up with ‘hockey in his blood’.  The 5’10 175lb sophomore forward grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN.  For you east coast folks, that’s a major suburb of Minneapolis/St.Paul. Les Aberman(Mighty Ducks movie’s) also hails from Brooklyn Park! Weird? A peek at Morin’s Facebook page shows this quote, ‘Activities: Hockey, Hockey, Hockey, Love the sport to death!’  Matt is a player who truly loves the game and can never get enough of it.

Matt played his high school hockey for the Osseo Orioles where he was named team captain during the 2004-2005 season.  He ranks 31st all-time on the Osseo points leader board with 63 points (24G 39A) in his varsity career.  Matt’s brother Travis who graduated in 2002 tops the all-time points leaders with 159 points (67G 92A) at Osseo. Travis plays professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League for the South Carolina Sting Rays where he has already won multiple awards his first year in the league, including being named an ECHL all-star. 

After a great high school career, Matt headed to the NAHL to play for the Northern Iowa Outlaws.  During his two seasons with the Outlaws, Morin racked up 15G and 45A good enough for 60pts overall.  During his 2nd year in juniors, he was invited to participate in NAHL Future Prospects Tournament showcasing the leagues best talent.

From there, Morin committed to play for the Blue Devils and made an impact right away last season.  He was given numerous late 3rd period shifts with the game on the line.  Coach Terry Watkins showed lots of confidence in the true freshmen and Morin didn’t disappoint.  When his blades touched the ice, his feet were moving constantly.  Morin never takes a shift off.  In his first season he ranked 4th on the team in points tallying 10G and 17A for 27pts overall. His effort was rewarded when he was selected to the USCHO.com West All-Star Rookie team at the end of last year.

Matt Morin

Matt Morin defending against St. Johns University

We had a chance to talk with Matt recently this summer and here is what he had to say!

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Q&A With Matt Morin

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL player?

Matt Morin: Gotta be Ovechkin, most complete player in the game today.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL team?

Matt Morin: Home town guy. Minnesota Wild

Stouthockey.com – Favorite DI collegiate team?

Matt Morin: Maine Blackbears.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite hockey moment in your life as of yet.

Matt Morin: Making it out to lake placid has to be tops for me. To play in such a historic place, was a chance of a lifetime.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Matt Morin: I thought Stevens Point was a blast to play at. They had some pretty rowdy fans.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Matt Morin: Oh man where to start? Always make a delicious pasta dish Thursday night, than shoot some hoops Friday morning.. I have way too many to be honest, theory is just be relaxed and comfortable before a game and doing it the same way helps. But if things don’t go right than it’s time to switch er’ up.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have a favorite stick?

Matt Morin: The Harrow-Harrow 2-piece connection is the way to go. Reeboks aren’t bad either.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite or preferred kind of skates?

Matt Morin: Reeboks

Stouthockey.com – Now comes the tough ones! Blondes or Brunettes?

Matt Morin: Brunettes for sure!

Stouthockey.com – Girls are burning up the e-mail Matt, Boxers of Briefs?

Matt Morin: Boxers

Stouthockey.com – Pontoon boat or speed boat out on the lake?

Matt Morin: Pontoons- you can fish from them, swim from them, grill on them… You know cruise the lake in comfort.

Stouthockey.com - What are you plans once you graduate from UW-Stout?

Matt Morin: Hopefully continue my hockey career, or move to Brainerd!

Stouthockey.com - When not playing hockey, what do you enjoying doing in your free time?

Matt Morin: Love to golf and fish! The only two things i will happily get up for at 6:30 in the morning to do. Volleyball, bowling, cribbage.

Stouthockey.com - Describe the feeling of playing in Lake Placid, NY last season during the NCAA Championships

Matt Morin: Incredible! I’ve grown up with hockey in my blood, so to be playing in such a rink where the “Miracle on Ice” happened was a dream come true. Just to feel the electricity in such a place with so much history andmeaning, it was beyond describable. From the drive into the adirondacks, to the terrifying plane ride home, i had the chills the whole week.

Stouthockey.com - What do you see your role as this coming season?

Matt Morin: I’ll try and do whatever is asked of me to win night after night. The should be the role of everyone in a team sport i think.

Q&A: Mike Morgan (G)

n1279320102_30168746_22Mike Morgan has  played hockey all over North America, literally. Mike Morgan started playing puck in Phoenix, AZ.  From there it was a whirlwind to Biloxi, MS then Northfield,MN and finally landing in Rosemount, MN where he graduated in 2008.

While in Rosemount, Morgan played in the Upper Midwest Elite League, a AAA ‘before-the-season’ program showcasing some of the midwest’s best young talent.  In 2006, the 6’1 182lb goaltender participated in the National Select 17′s in 2006 and made a run to the section finals with the Rosemount Irish during his senior season in 2008.

After his time in the ‘State of Hockey’, Morgan headed up to Winkler Manitoba where he played for the Flyers in the MJHL.  After a short stint there, Morgan was shipped down to Boston, MA to play for the Valley Jr. Warriors in the Eastern Junior Hockey League where he was picked up mid-season by head coach Terry Watkins.

Next season will likely showcase Jesse Pischlar (Sudbury, ON) in net for the Blue Devils, but Morgan will be pushing on the Sudbury native for some ice time.  The two goaltenders spend time together both on and off the ice and Morgan knows what he needs to bring to the crease this season.

“Competition is something needed in the goalie position, and I know Pischlar and myself will push each other to be at our best.” said Morgan.

We had a chance to sit down this summer and chat with Mike about some of your burning questions!

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Stouthockey.com:  Favorite NHL goaltender?

Mike Morgan: Chris Osgood and Martin Brodeur

Stouthockey.com: Favorite NHL team?

Mike Morgan:  Detroit Red Wings

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite collegiate team

Mike Morgan:  U of Maine Blackbears

Stouthockey.com:  Best hockey moment in your career so far?

Mike Morgan:  It’s between last year’s Peter’s Cup championship game or the NCAA National Quarterfinals game. Obviously I didn’t play, but both games had a great atmosphere and it was something special just to be a part of.

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Mike Morgan:  Besides “The Dunn” I would have to say UW-River Falls or UW-Superior. Both are quality rinks, and the seamless glass is always a nice feature to have.

Stouthockey.com:  Any pre-game rituals or things ‘you must do’ before going on the ice?

Mike Morgan: I just try to keep to myself and think about the game. Usually I’ll listen to the same song before going out to the ice, Linkin Park ‘Somewhere I Belong’.

Stouthockey.com:  Do you have any preferences towards certain equipment?

Mike Morgan: Vaughn Velocity 3. As for sticks, I’m not too picky, but recently I’ve grown fond of the Sherwood 9950 with the Thibault pattern

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite pre-game meal?

Mike Morgan:  Some sort of pasta with chicken

Stouthockey.com: Blondes or Brunettes?

Mike Morgan:  Brunettes

Stouthockey.com:  All the ladies have been wanting to know, boxers or briefs?

Mike Morgan: Boxers

Stouthockey.com:  A day on the lake in a speed boat or pontoon?

Mike Morgan:  Pontoon

Stouthockey.com:  What do you want to do once you graduate with your degree in Applied Science?

Mike Morgan:  I’d love to be able to continue my hockey career, but if I don’t have that opportunity, I’d like to pursue a career in engineering.

Stouthockey.com: When your not on the ice, where could someone likely find you?

Mike Morgan:  I enjoy playing pool, bocce ball, ping-pong, and volleyball. Of course, I love hitting the sticks and dangling on NHL 09, soon to be NHL 10.

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